Subtle Brutality: Decoding the Psychological Violence & EmotionalAbuse in Relationships through Elif Shafak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds inThis Strange World

Abstract

Psychological violence is a tactic to control, manipulate, or physically harm another person on an emotional or mental side. Freud’s Theory of Personality, talks about a number of different factors that influence personality. The theory talks about the human psyche which is structured into three parts: Id, Ego, and Superego. In the novel, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak, the character Leila can be considered the embodiment of elements of Sigmund Freud's Personality Theory, especially the concept of the superego. This study aims to critically analyze Elif Shafak’s novel 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World and examine the impact of psychological abuse and self-presentation in relationships. It examines complex relationship themes such as belonging, power dynamics, sarcasm,    resilience, and identity through the lens of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. This article explores the main character who is a victim of emotional abuse and the impact this has on her sense of self. It highlights emotional abuse in relationships and its devastating effects. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of psychological abuse and its effects, while raising awareness and initiating discussions about the importance of healthy and respectful human relationships.