Noman, Abu Sayeed MohammadNijhum, Fatema Ferdousi2026-04-052026-04-0520252025-10ID 24163013http://hdl.handle.net/10361/27753Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 54-55).This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English, 2025.This thesis explores the strong influence of unresolved childhood trauma on adulthood. Through an in-depth analysis of the novels Home Before Dark by Riley Sager and The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller, it examines how unresolved trauma shapes the protagonists’ identities, inner selves and life choices. Moreover, the paper highlights how other aspects like parental ignorance and generational silence can intensify the effect of trauma. Furthermore, it suggest the importance of confronting the past and breaking the cycle of silence for healing and recovery. This thesis aims to show the profound impact of unresolved childhood trauma on adulthood, the role of generational silence and parental denial on suppressed trauma and the significance of setting in reflecting the characters’ inner selves and emotional states in Home Before Dark and The Paper Palace. This thesis also uses Trauma theory, Affect theory and Psychoanalytical theory to explain these points.56 pagesenBRAC University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.Childhood traumaDual identityParental denialPsychological woundsGenerational detachmentPsychologically abused children.Parental deprivation.Thesis