We Were Liars by E. Lockhart explores the theme of trauma through the use of archetypes. Three important archetypes in the novel that show trauma are the maze, the shadow, and the unhealable wound. Each of these archetypes represents different aspects of trauma and how it affects the characters in the novel.
The maze is an important archetype in We Were Liars as it represents the confusion and uncertainty the characters feel after the traumatic event that occurs on the island. The maze is often used as a metaphor for the characters’ emotions, as they struggle to find their way through the confusion and pain. The characters are lost in the maze of their emotions, unable to find a way out. They are trapped by their trauma, unable to move on from it.
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The shadow represents the parts of ourselves that we hide from others, as well as the parts that we don’t want to face. In We Were Liars, the characters’ shadows are tied to their trauma. They are haunted by their past, and this manifests as negative behavior, such as lying and manipulation. The shadow represents the characters’ inability to fully confront their trauma, and the negative consequences that result from this avoidance.
The unhealable wound is the third archetype in We Were Liars that shows trauma. This archetype represents the physical, emotional, and psychological pain that the characters experience after the traumatic event. The unhealable wound is a symbol of the characters’ inability to fully heal from their trauma. Even though time has passed, the wound remains open and painful. The characters are unable to move on from their trauma, and this wound continues to affect them in different