Themes in The Silence of the Girls

War and its Brutality

Definition of the Theme

This theme explores the devastating physical and psychological impact of prolonged conflict. It highlights the dehumanising aspects of warfare on all participants.

Textual Evidence and Development

• Briseis observes the constant violence and death, stating the Greeks “killed men, and raped women, and ransacked cities”. This establishes the pervasive brutality from the outset.
• Achilles’ increasingly savage behaviour, particularly his desecration of Hector’s body, demonstrates war’s corrupting influence. His actions show a loss of humanity.
• The Greek soldiers’ callous treatment of captive women, viewing them as spoils of war, underscores the systemic brutality. Their suffering is consistently ignored.
• The constant fear of death and injury among the soldiers, even the heroes, reveals the universal terror of battle. Nobody is truly safe from its reach.

Connection to Exam Questions

Students could analyse how Barker challenges the romanticised view of war often presented in epic poetry. Consider how the novel provides a stark anti-war general vision and viewpoint. Discuss the psychological effects of violence on characters like Achilles.

Want the full analysis? Try H1 Club free for complete notes, sample answers, and examiner insights.

The Subjugation of Women

Definition of the Theme

This theme examines the systemic oppression and disempowerment of women in a patriarchal society. It focuses on their lack of agency and their treatment as property.

Textual Evidence and Development

• Briseis is taken as Achilles’ war prize, highlighting women’s status as possessions. She has no say in her own fate.
• The women are consistently traded, gifted, and claimed by men, illustrating their objectification. Their personal feelings are irrelevant.
• The narrative voice of Briseis gives voice to the previously silent experiences of women in the Trojan War. This challenges traditional historical narratives.
• The women’s collective suffering and their shared experiences of loss and trauma bind them together. They form a community of shared victimisation.

Connection to Exam Questions

Discuss how Barker uses Briseis’ perspective to expose the injustices faced by women in ancient Greece. Explore the concept of voice and voicelessness in the novel. Compare the novel’s portrayal of women with other texts studied for the Comparative Study.

Trauma and its Aftermath

Definition of the Theme

This theme explores the profound psychological wounds inflicted by war and violence. It examines how characters cope, or fail to cope, with their traumatic experiences.

Textual Evidence and Development

• Briseis endures the loss of her family and city, leading to deep emotional scars. Her grief is a constant presence.
• Achilles displays symptoms of trauma, including rage and emotional detachment, after Patroclus’ death. His actions become increasingly erratic.
• The women in the camp share their stories of loss and abuse, forming a support network. This collective trauma binds them.
• The novel suggests that trauma is not confined to the battlefield but extends to all who witness or experience its effects. Its reach is far-reaching.

Connection to Exam Questions

Analyse how trauma shapes the characters’ motivations and actions. Consider the novel’s psychological realism in depicting the long-term effects of conflict. Evaluate the general vision and viewpoint on human suffering.

Identity and Self-Perception

Definition of the Theme

This theme investigates how characters’ identities are shaped by their circumstances, particularly in the context of war and subjugation. It explores the struggle to maintain a sense of self.

Textual Evidence and Development

• Briseis struggles with her identity, transitioning from queen to captive. She must redefine herself in new, harsh realities.
• Achilles’ identity is inextricably linked to his prowess as a warrior, yet he grapples with his mortality. This creates internal conflict.
• The captive women attempt to retain some semblance of their former selves through shared memories and defiance. Small acts of resistance become vital.
• The novel questions what truly constitutes identity when external forces dictate one’s existence. It explores the core of selfhood.

Connection to Exam Questions

Discuss how characters adapt or resist changes to their identities. Examine the role of memory in maintaining a sense of self. Compare the exploration of identity with other texts from your Leaving Certificate course.

Revenge and Justice

Definition of the Theme

This theme explores the destructive cycle of revenge and the elusive nature of true justice in a world governed by violence. It questions the morality of retaliatory actions.

Textual Evidence and Development

• Achilles’ brutal revenge for Patroclus’ death perpetuates the cycle of violence. His actions bring no true peace.
• The Trojans seek justice for the wrongs inflicted upon them, driving their continued resistance. Their desire for retribution is strong.
• Briseis, despite her suffering, does not actively seek revenge, instead focusing on survival. Her perspective offers a different path.
• The novel suggests that in war, true justice is rarely achieved, only a continuation of suffering. Retribution is often futile.

Connection to Exam Questions

Analyse the consequences of revenge as depicted in the novel. Discuss how Barker presents different understandings of justice. Consider the moral ambiguities inherent in the characters’ actions.

Related Pages

• The Silence of the Girls Study Guide
• The Silence of the Girls Summary
• Key Moments in The Silence of the Girls
• Key Quotes in The Silence of the Girls