Spatial Narration and Psychotherapy in Suspense Novels Taking "Shutter Island" as an Example

Abstract

In the 21st century, suspense novels have evolved and authors increasingly explore narrative theory and techniques. This study analyzes the employment of narrative techniques in Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island" by applying Lefebvre's space theory. This theory links space with social production, infused with Marxist concepts, imparting social attributes to space, transcending its conventional geometric definition. The research delves into three dimensions: spatial practice, spatial representation, and the space of representation to expound on how the spatial narration in the text mirrors the psychological transformations of the characters. Characters' memories within the spatial context influence their actions, generating a sequence of spatial clusters. The emergence of new spaces and imagery impacts character cognition. The three enigmatic symbols in the text encode the protagonist's memories, unravelled through dreams, constructing a novel textual space. It is within this multifaceted interplay that the treatment of 'mental illness' is addressed. This analysis demonstrates how narrative techniques intertwined with spatial theory serve as a compelling medium to portray intricate psychological facets in Lehane's ""Shutter Island"."