Date of Award
5-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English
Committee Chair/Advisor
Keith Morris
Committee Member
Megan Eatman
Committee Member
Nic Brown
Abstract
This creative thesis illustrates the very real and long-lasting impacts on victims of non-physical forms of abuse, specifically gaslighting and narcissistic abuse. Verbal, psychological and emotional abuse is as real and damaging as physical abuse, although there has been a very real lag in recognizing it because there is no physical proof that it happened. This creative thesis follows the path of two main characters, a mother and daughter, who have been psychologically abused by the same man. It depicts how narcissists and other psychological abusers operate, isolating their victims and making them doubt their own judgement. The creative portion is followed by a critical essay showing the importance of story—specifically true stories—in helping victims begin to feel courage and validation.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Frances C., "Unseen Bruises: Surviving and Conquering a Narcissist" (2022). All Theses. 3732.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/3732