To See, or Not to See: Exploration of Fictional Psychopaths in Select Asian Narratives

Abstract

Psychopathy, predominantly regarded as a Western discursive construct, assumes a distinctive yet underexplored narrative in Asian fiction, where its portrayal is profoundly influenced by cultural collectivism. This underrepresentation necessitates scholarly exploration, especially from the Indian academic space. To address this research gap, the thesis critically examines the fictional representation of psychopathy in select Asian narratives, including Arvind Adiga’s The White Tiger, FH Batacan’s Smaller and Smaller Circles and You Jeong Jeong’s The Good Son. Employing Robert Hare’s four-factor model of psychopathy, C. Tittle’s control-balance theory, and attachment theory as its foundational theoretical framework, it adopts an interdisciplinary methodology that integrates literary, psychological, sociological and criminological perspectives. In doing so, it critically analyses the intricate interrelations between psychopathy, trauma, violence, victimology, and socio-cultural factors, with a particular focus on how these dynamics influence the construction of selfhood and the identities of psychopathic characters. Furthermore, it analyses how literary representations of psychopathic characters can substantially examine societal institutions, their frameworks and the ethical quandaries that pervade them. Rather than existing in isolation, these fictional narratives reflect real-world conflicts, exploring the moral limits that shape human conduct while exposing the paradoxes embedded in contemporary cultural standards. The thesis starts by delineating the fundamental characteristics of psychopathy, which encompass emotional detachment, impulsivity, manipulativeness, and a lack of remorse and empathy. The study, informed by foundational contributions of Hervey Cleckley, Robert Hare, Kent A Kiehl., J. R. Meloy, and Matt DeLisi, among others, additionally goes on to investigate the nature-versus-nurture debate, ethnocultural impact on manifestations of traits and the relationship between psychopathy and violence. It broadens the discourse on psychopathy by tracing its roots in literature, moving beyond a clinical viewpoint to encompass its broader societal and literary implications.