REWRITING THE PAST: CHILDHOOD MEMORY AND CRIMINAL SELF-CONSTRUCTION IN THE BUTCHER BOY AND THE WASP FACTORY

Abstract

Abstract

This paper considers the role that childhood memories play in the construction of criminal identity in the protagonists of two novels: The Butcher Boy, by Patrick McCabe, and The Wasp Factory, by Iain Banks. While the existing literature offers psychological and sociopolitical perspectives on both of these works, it has paid less attention to the role of formative experiences in moulding adult identity and agency. Through a close textual qualitative analysis this study explores the childhood experiences of the protagonists: Frank’s upbringing with people who were secretive and emotionally unavailable, and Francie’s exposure to parental dysfunction, poverty, and community stigma. This analysis demonstrates how these experiences intersect with adult identity, agency, and violence. Consideration of traumatic childhood experiences provides a basis for understanding the construction of criminal identity. Situating these works in the context of contemporary crime fiction, the paper explores the relationship between the childhood experiences portrayed in these books and the protagonists’ subsequent criminal behaviour. It presents a layered view of the connections between early experiences and adult transgressions. The findings contribute to ongoing and future discussions on the role of childhood experiences in shaping adult life.