مشخصات پژوهش

The human relations and reactions illustrated in the trauma approach are being used in a number of disciplines ranging from psychology to literature. Jennifer Freyd is one of the prominent figures in this field who proposed the notion of betrayal trauma. The present study is an attempt to apply betrayal trauma based on theories of Freyd in three plays of Richard III, Hamlet, and King Lear created by Shakespeare. Betrayal trauma happens when the persons or foundations on which an individual depends for existence considerably disturb that person’s reliance or well-being: Childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse committed by a caregiver are instances of betrayal trauma. The current study will show how nearly all of the characters in the plays are affected by the betrayal that they have committed themselves or have been imposed by the betrayal of their friends and relatives despite the expected trustworthy family bonds. Family connections support the characters’ personality and identity. Reviewing the literature revealed numerous studies conducted for examining the behaviors and thoughts of the characters in Shakespeare’s works; however, the concept of betrayal in terms of the characters’ reactions and recovery need to be explored more profoundly, which is intended in this study through deep analysis of betrayal, psychological health, and family bonds. The findings of the study will expose that numerous events in the plays traumatize the characters and forces them to act strangely under the effect of unfaithfulness and they perform particular activities and reactions. Thus, the actions of the families the characters would be able to rely on above all others eventually lead them to make tragic decisions.