Shattered Vows: Exploring Abuse and Trauma in Meena Kandasamy’s When I Hit You

Abstract

Meena Kandasamy’s When I Hit You, delves into the harrowing portrayal of domestic abuse and its traumatic effects on the protagonist, an unnamed writer. Kandasamy reveals the devastating impact of male dominance and manipulation on women’s lives. She delves into the complexities of an abusive marriage, focusing not only on physical violence but also on the emotional manipulation, isolation and erasure of identity experienced by the protagonist. Set against the backdrop of a male dominated society, the novel exposes the silent forms of violence that trap women in abusive relationships. Kandasamy portrays her unnamed protagonist both as a victim of abuse and as a fierce woman who reclaims her identity through writing. Kandasamy uses the act of writing as a metaphor for resistance and survival. The novel brings to light the enduring nature of trauma and the cultural barriers that often prevent women from escaping abusive marriages, while offering a deeply personal story of resilience and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.