THE RUINED FEMININE AND QUESTIONABLE PERSPECTIVES IN PAULA HAWKINS’ “THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN”
THE RUINED FEMININE AND QUESTIONABLE PERSPECTIVES IN PAULA HAWKINS’ “THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN”

Summary/Abstract: This study concentrates on the feminine figures in the novel, be they prominent or secondary characters, assembling a glossary of female types according to the personality features that are highlighted in the story by their actions, attitudes and discourse. As the analysis unfolds, a few obvious realities as well as more covert truths come to the fore. On the one hand, all the significant female characters seem to possess ruined selves and lives, even or especially when appearances tend to show otherwise. Moreover and more importantly, on the other hand, we show that the deception entrained by appearances goes much deeper than that, as, towards the end, we realize that the character raising the highest suspicions in terms of credibility turns out to be the most reliable. Also, the bitterest enmities can turn to alliances against all odds under dire circumstances, which is yet another aspect in which the disintegrated feminine portrayed by the narrative takes us by surprise. Towards the end, we reveal the facets of the concept of ruined femininity in light of recent discoveries made available by the turn of events in the story.

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