The Trapped Mind: Identifying Signs of Battered Women Syndrome in Colleen Hoover’s It End with Us

Abstract

The violence against women such as sexual and physical abuse have been studied extensively in the literary works like poetry, novels and short fiction. Modern literature usually focuses on the representation of gender-based violence as a recurring theme. However, while abusive experiences are frequently portrayed, they are given limited attention especially to the psychological aftermath and long-term consequences of domestic abuse on women. Therefore, the present study aims at analyzing “Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us”, focusing on the psychological impact of violence that the protagonist Lily Bloom faces. The analysis examines how her experiences plays a role in shaping her personality, attitudes and behaviours regarding her father and her intimate relationships. This study employs Walker’s theory of the Battered Woman Syndrome as a theoretical framework where a textual analysis of the novel is conducted to examine how Lily’s violent upbringing impacts her character development as well as emotional responses. This theory provides a psychological and legal framework to demonstrate that women who experience from domestic violence are inclined to develop some types of mental illness. The obtained findings reveal a significant lack of public awareness related to domestic violence in that many victims are often hesitant to disclose their experiences, and choose instead to conceal the abuse so as to avoid stigma or social exposure. Furthermore, experiencing domestic violence in childhood undermine the psychological foundations essential for forming healthy relationships.