Behind the mask of Deception

by- Akriti

We are back again with another thrilling peak-a-boo to this insightful literature segment where we explore the intricacies of literary artworks. Today, we are going to highlight one of the most painful experiences of human life that shatters not only one’s self-perception but also plants the seeds of scepticism for what lies ahead. Betrayal is one such emotions that we unwelcomingly go through, undesirably feel, and unprecedentedly endure. Our vast literature gives plenty space to this shared human emotion in the name of deception.

Starting with the New York times best seller’s collection, Gone Girl - This novel explores the psychological narrative of Amy (lead of the story). Due to tumultuous marriage, Amy and Nick leads their way to betray each other’s trust. Situation become tense when Amy crafts a false narrative of her disappearance, framing Nick as a murderer. Whereas Nick also engages himself in layers of deception and lies. This whole storyline challenges the readers to re-think who really can be trusted.

Another heart-warming novel existing in the ocean of literature is The Kite Runner – The story centres around two childhood friends Amir and Hassan. Amir belonged to wealthy business class family while Hasan is the son of Amir’s father’s servant. Irrespective of the differences, they both shared deep yet a complex bond. Things became vulnerable when Amir witnesses Hasan being brutally assaulted by bullies but choose not to intervene. Since then, this act of betrayal never left Amir his side. The thought of breaking Hasan’s trust kept haunting him and made him feel guilty forever. However, this story gives a closure when Amir rescues Hasan’s son from the life of hardship and abuse.

The classic revenge which was carried forward by Alexandre Dumas’s novel The Count of Monte Cristo – Betrayal has been the central theme here that propels the story forward as Edmond Dantes (Protagonist) seeks revenge to those who did him wrong. It gives a major highlight towards the consequences of betrayal and what a person can be up to in order to get justice.

Another brilliant novel delves into the theme of betrayal is Atonement – This novel opens with the false accusation made by Briony against Robbie Turner. Briony mistakenly believes she witnesses Turner committing a crime, leading him to imprisonment. This false accusation changes the course of Robin’s life and separates him from his lover. The narrative is wonderfully structured revolving around multiple perspectives emphasizing the enduring effects of betrayal and the pursuit of forgiveness.

In a nutshell this list has no ending as every novel, every narrative, and every character within reflect a different yet common feeling of distrust. In this passage of life, we meet so many people and every person leave a long-lasting impact based on how they treated us. Betrayal comes as a dark cloud over a sunny day, dimming the ray of hope and destructing the essence of humanity. The act of betraying and the feeling of betrayed apparently haunts a person lifetime. Be it in the form of heartbreak, melancholic experience, traumatic journey and even as a never-ending guilt.