Fear, Anxiety and Domestic Violence in “Cendres et braises” by Ken Bugul Cover Image

La peur, l’angoisse et la violence domestique dans “Cendres et braises” de Ken Bugul
Fear, Anxiety and Domestic Violence in “Cendres et braises” by Ken Bugul

Author(s): Anna Swoboda
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Gender Studies, Studies of Literature, Comparative Study of Literature, Studies in violence and power, Substance abuse and addiction, Theory of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: fear; violence; relationship; woman; abuse

Summary/Abstract: The autobiographical novel “Cendres et braises” by Ken Bugul, a contemporary Senegalese author, presents a comprehensive overview of the victim’s behavior in a violent relationship. By using strong defense mechanisms, the abused woman becomes emotionally attached to her aggressor, isolates herself, refuses any help and stays trapped in the cycle of violence. In the case of Marie, the novel’s main character, anxiety has always been the basis of her relationships since she was abandoned by her mother. The purpose of this study is to analyze the dynamics between the victim and the abuser, as well as to show that anxiety is the source of self‑destructive behavior and examine how it keeps the woman in an abusive relationship.

  • Issue Year: 11/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 254-262
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: French