American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

In the Dream House: Gaslight and Ghosts: Unmasking the Monstrous within the Domestic
Carmen Maria Machado

In the Dream House, Carmen Maria Machado's piercing memoir, defies the conventions of the genre by turning the intimate into a terrifying investigation of psychological manipulation, domestic violence, and the sneaky existence of the horrible within the seemingly ordinary. Machado explores the twisting passageways of her own experience with evocative prose and unwavering honesty. She reveals the subtle ways in which an abusive relationship may distort reality, making the victim doubt not only their own sanity but also the nature of truth and safety.

The Details of the Monstrous Lingers:

Machado's deft use of language gives the seemingly mundane facts of everyday existence a dark undercurrent. The "dream house," which at first represents promise and fresh starts, transforms into a confining prison with walls that resound with covert threats and deceptive tactics. The commonplace becomes a haven for the hideous, with seemingly innocuous items like phones and keys becoming into tools of monitoring and control.

The Weapon of Gaslighting:

The abuser of Machado uses gaslighting as a psychological weapon, warping memories and reality to plant doubt and uncertainty. The victim is left confused and doubting their own senses as events are gently re-narrated, conversations are suppressed, and emotions are weaponized. Being in a perpetual state of uncertainty and self-doubt turns into a form of incarceration that is far more subtle than any physical obstacle.

Revealing the Inner Monster:

Machado's investigation into the horrible goes beyond her abuser's walls. She explores the normalization of abusive behavior and society complicity, showing how deeply rooted gender norms and cultural narratives can feed violent cycles. The "dream house" turns into a miniature version of a broader social framework that permits abuse to go unchecked.

The Spirits of the Past:

In the Dream House, the ghost of past suffering haunts the present. The story is infused with Machado's personal background of childhood abuse, which highlights the recurring patterns of violence and the long-lasting effects of trauma on the psyche. These historical ghosts are more than just passive beings; they actively influence the dynamics of the current partnership, emphasizing the intricate interactions between personal experiences and institutionalized abuse patterns.

Getting Away from the Monster:

In the Dream House is not a story of failure, despite the gloom that surrounds it. Machado's bravery in facing her abuser and, in the end, ending the relationship is proof of the resiliency of the human spirit. Reclaiming her own story and banishing the ghosts of the past through writing itself turns into a kind of catharsis.

In summary:

Carmen Maria Machado dispels the myth that the domestic is a secure sanctuary in In the Dream House, exposing the sneaky ways in which the terrible can lie within the seemingly normal. Her brilliant storytelling and unwavering honesty make us face the hard realities of gaslighting, domestic abuse, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. By escaping the "dream house," Machado provides a ray of hope and a potent reminder of the resilience and healing potential of the human spirit.

Additional Thoughts:

Examine certain sections where Machado alludes to the monstrous within the domestic through his use of language and images.
Talk about the story's use of quiet and hidden truths.
Examine the connections between Machado's personal narrative and more general societal problems pertaining to gender norms and domestic abuse.
Examine and contrast In the Dream House with other autobiographies that address related subjects.