Trace | Themes

Trace Themes

Rape Psychology

Patricia Cornwell provides an interesting twist to her presentation of rape psychology by making the rape victim a man. Frank Marino is not just an average Joe. He is a policeman, a man's man and an alpha male in every respect. By placing him in a situation in which he is taken advantage of and sexually abused, author Cornwell is able to show that the psychological effects of sexual assault are more than mere feminine hysteria. Frank Marino displays all of the symptoms of a typical rape victim and the fact that he is a strong man casts these symptoms in a particularly powerful light. Initially he wishes to deny his experience. He feels shame at allowing himself to be taken advantage of sexually and initially blames himself for the encounter. He allows his abuser, Suzanna Paulsson, to manipulate his mindset to the point where he feels that he is...
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