STYLISTICS EXPLORATION OF THE NOVEL “THE SILENT PATIENT” BY ALEX MACHAELIDES THROUGH PTSD

Abstract

This research is the stylistic analysis of Alex Michaelides’ novel ‘The Silent Patient’. The study's goal is to analyse the stylistic choices mainly the semantic deviation devices that appear markedly in order to explore the psychological complexity of the character Alicia. It focusses on how the unconventional use of language serve as a tool for illustrating the standard symptoms of PTSD according to DSM V. Additionally, what role does language play in conveying her struggle with PTSD and its effect on her relationship with her husband. This research utilized the theoretical framework of Leech and Short (2007) based on stylistic features. This research applied the qualitative-descriptive approach to provide an adequate description of the intentional use of figurative language. The analysis highlights the use of similes, metaphors, and other symbolic language as a window to her fragmented soul, her deep-seated emotions like fear, pity, anxiety, a sense of betrayal, hopelessness, suppression of emotions, and as a coping mechanism to escape from reality. Thus, her use of language enriched with figurative language is clearly is an illustration of her struggling with PTSD.

Keywords: Post Traumatic Stress disorder, Childhood trauma, Stylistics Analysis.