The Essence of Psychoanalysis and Ethics of Care in
The Silent Patient by Alex Machaelides

Fienna Riha V.
Department of English,
KLN College of Engineering.

Abstract
Psychoanalysis is a prominent theory that deals with the theory of the human brain. Sigmund Freud is the founder of this Psychoanalysis theory of the brain. He was a doctor and a research scholar. His works have created a great impact on psychology as well as on the western culture. Carol Gilligan developed the theory of Ethics of Care; this gives a vivid description of women’s mind which seeks for care and relationships rather than some random abstract principles. The thriller The Silent Patient deals with the patient, Alicia who is very silent throughout her entire therapy and how she is being dealt by Theo Faber, a therapist who has volunteered to handle this specific case. This paper deals with the psychological perspective of not just the patient Alicia but also the therapist Theo Faber. The Ethics of Care deals with the feminine perspective of women seeking care and affections in a relationship. But it is applicable for men as well, as they too want some attention from their partners and that is evident from this novel. Though this novel is clearly in the thriller genre, when viewed from a different point of view it deals with the relationship trauma of both men and women. It also deals with the psychological perspective of both men and women from the societal point of view and from their own point of view. Although being a Psychologist, Faber himself suffers a lot of emotional turmoil in his relationships and even though Alicia is in a very happy relationship she ends up murdering her husband. So, both Psychology and Ethics of Care are analysed in this article through Alex Michaelides’ thriller The Silent Patient.

Keywords: Psychoanalysis, Ethics of care, Freud, Gilligan, Therapist, Relationship, trauma.