Trauma, Identity, and Isolation: Exploring the Psychological Effect of Patriarchy on Evie Porter in First Lie Wins by Ashley Eston

Abstract

This study examines the psychological and emotional impact of patriarchal structures on women, focusing on the character Evie Porter in Ashley Eston’s First Lie Wins. The research explores the relationship between gender, trauma, and identity crisis, investigating how societal dominance and gender-based mistreatment contribute to mental disturbance and isolation in women. Through a textual analysis, the study highlights the emotional and psychological consequences of living in a male-dominated society, particularly the effects of societal expectations and gendered treatment on women’s well-being. Cathy Caruth's trauma theory frames the research, offering a lens to comprehend the psychological scars left by oppression. This descriptive qualitative study emphasizes how identity transformation, driven by patriarchal pressures, exacerbates Evie’s trauma, leading her trauma by adopting the role of a con artist—societally condemned yet shaped by her experiences. The findings underline the detrimental effects of gender inequality on women’s mental health, shedding light on the complexities of self-perception and identity within a patriarchal context. In conclusion, the study suggests that patriarchal systems significantly shape Evie’s psychological health and identity, with far-reaching consequences for her sense of self. This research offers insight into the long-lasting impact of societal gender norms on women’s mental and emotional well-being.