The Portrayal of Power Dynamics and Real Life Reflections in Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

Tan, Gemma Siok Kiew (2024) The Portrayal of Power Dynamics and Real Life Reflections in Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Flowers in the Attic is a Gothic Fiction novel by V.C. Andrews and it has many traumatising elements that lead to distorted and corrupted relationships due to power abuse. This paper suggests that there are power dynamics and symbolic representations of power in the novel. This can also bring awareness to the traumatising elements that happen in real life. Using the theoretical framework from Foucault’s Theory of Power and symbolism, this paper analyses the types of power dynamics and the symbolic representation of power in Flowers in the Attic. Findings also discuss how fiction, this novel specifically, can be a mirror of reality. It was revealed that there is abuse of the certain types of power dynamics with symbolic representations that come along with it. The types of power dynamics that were found in the novel were Sovereign Power, Disciplinary Power and Pastoral Power with symbolic representations through Foxworth Hall, the Relationships and the idea of Materialism. With examples from real life cases, there was evidence of how Flowers in the Attic can be a mirror of real life through the idea of money and wealth being a form of power, the idea of control and the idea of distortion of relationships. All in all, this paper strives to bring awareness to the abuse of power dynamics that can happen to anyone in real life.