Herbarium Gothic : A Trauma Theory Approach to the Pulp of V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic

Sammanfattning: This thesis examines the literary representation and construction of mental illness in characters resulting from childhood trauma in the gothic pulp novel Flowers in the Attic (1979) by Cleo Virginia Andrews (1923-1986). Through a close reading of the novel, the analysis will emphasise the narration, interpersonal relationships, and constructed psyche primarily of the main character Cathy Dollanganger. While trauma in books has been discussed earlier, the trauma that affects the characters in Flowers has not been given the same recognition because of its lowbrow status and children’s literature categorisation. Trauma fiction focuses on the complex nuances that traumatic events bring to characters and narrative forms. Acknowledging trauma's impact on characters and narratives, I approach Flowers as a testimony from a survivor of adverse childhood experiences who still suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and emotionally unstable personality disorder. Through a close reading of Flowers in the Attic and using trauma theory as my theoretical framework, primarily by use of Anne Whitehead, this thesis aims to shed light on the nuance of trauma and its portrayal in literature. Ultimately, I will argue that Flowers qualifies as trauma fiction to challenge its current perception as children’s literature, simultaneously promoting a more empathetic approach to its narrative than currently employed.