Psychological Violence In Paula Hawkins’s “The Girl On The Train”,

Abstract

This research intends to depict traces of psychological violence in the novel The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. The researchers investigate the Psychological Violence of Tom Watson on three females with his abusive language, immoral thoughts, and criminal actions. Moreover, it aims to describe the psychological torment endured by the female characters. Rachel battles depression and psychological setbacks, Megan’s disappearance and subsequent murder remain mysterious, and Anna conceals Tom’s infidelity in their marriage. This concept delves into Tom’s psychological analysis, offering a deeper understanding of his character. The primary data source for this research is the text of the novel. The secondary data of this study is taken from books and articles from the internet. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, providing unique insights into the character’s mental states. It may help readers find a deeper meaning and a different interpretation of their reading. Furthermore, the researcher explores Rachel’s memory loss, Tom’s antisocial personality disorder, Anna’s concern for her daughter’s safety, and Tom’s criminal activities, notably murder. Rachel lost everything due to her drinking habits and Tom’s mental illness, leading to her decision to kill him out of fear for her own life. Hawkins portrays the life of a drunk, a divorcee, and an aimless lady. Therefore, the Novel revolves around all alcoholic side effects. Psychological Problems of different characters highlight Tom’s Antisocial Personality Disorder in Cognitive Behavioral Theory.