Psychological Trauma in Susan Hill’s I’m the King of the Castle

Author(s)	Mr. Shanmugan N, Dr. Selvam M
Country	India
Abstract	Abstract Susan Hill’s I’m the King of the Castle (1970) is a harrowing exploration of childhood psychological trauma, bullying, and the devastating consequences of parental neglect. The novel examines the impact of bullying, isolation, and emotional neglect through the tense relationship between Edmund Hooper and Charles Kingshaw. Kingshaw, subjected to relentless psychological torment, experiences profound fear, anxiety, and hopelessness, leading to tragic consequences. Hill’s narrative exposes the cyclical nature of trauma, illustrating how Charles’s isolation, fear, and failed attempts at escape culminate in his tragic suicide-a stark critique of adult obliviousness and emotional failure. Hill portrays trauma as a silent, accumulating force, shaping identity and emotional resilience. This paper analyses how fear, manipulation, and social hierarchy contribute to Kingshaw’s psychological deterioration, emphasizing themes of power dynamics, victimization, and the lasting effects of psychological abuse.
Keywords	gothic, fear, bullying, psychological trauma, architecture, symbols
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On	2025-07-06
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.49288

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