“She Wished Someone Would Help Them”: PTSD and Empathy in the Six of Crows Duology

Abstract

Drawing on cognitive criticism, and using Theory of Mind, transportation, and imaginative resistance as a framework, this essay analyzes the ways in which Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows Duology, can build understanding of and empathy for people with living with mental illnesses. Maria Nikolajeva’s germinal work on cognitive approaches to literature for young people is foundational to this analysis, as are psychiatric and psychological studies. We trace the ways in which these novels encourage young readers’ cognitive development, particularly how they enable the ability to interpret the actions of people coping with PTSD and encourage engagement with characters’ thoughts, emotions, and goals. Our analysis focuses on Bardugo’s accurate portrayals of PTSD, and the potential for increased Theory of Mind and transportation through well-developed characters, vivid imagery, and engaging plotlines. We also explore how Bardugo circumvents imaginative resistance to these narratives which can prevent the development of empathy and further stigmatize those living with a mental illness.