The Traumatic Reflection on Identity Construction in Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Abstract

It is the intent of this paper to examine the relationship between Dexter Morgan and Brian Moser’s childhood traumatic event, in Darkly Dreaming Dexter novel, and their fascination with death, and its later influence on their adult personality development. The focus of this study will shift to the long-term reflection of the trauma suffered by these serial killers along with the impact of their socioenvironmental living conditions. Thus, we will be exploring the psychological defense mechanisms, which are Repression, Displacement, Sublimation, Introjection, Identification with the Aggressor, and Projection. These coping modes will help us explain how rising from a traumatic childhood event shaped the brothers adulthood. In addition, we will include Social Learning Theory to show how they adopted their mother murderers’ behaviours. Lastly, we will apply the Lifestyle and Routine Activities theories to show the connections between the serial killers trauma and their victims. Therefore, these theories will contribute to elaborate different reflections of Dexter and Brian’s trauma in their identities construction and the impact of their socioenvironmental conditions