Toxic Relationships in Alice Munro’s Runaway: Coercive Control and Victimization Effects

Abstract

This study examined toxic relationships in Alice Munro’s Runaway, with a focus on coercive control and its victimization effects on the main character. The study aimed to analyze the forms of coercive control and to identify the effects experienced by the victim within the narrative. A qualitative approach employing close reading and textual analysis was used to examine the representation of coercive control and victimization effects in the narrative. The primary data source was the short story Runaway, and the data consisted of selected excerpts in the form of narration, dialogue, and character actions. Runaway was selected because it portrays abuse through psychological domination rather than physical violence. This makes the story relevant for examining coercive control in literary narratives. The data were analyzed using the theory of coercive control proposed by Stark and the framework of victimization effects developed by Forth et al. The findings showed that three forms of coercive control were present, namely control, isolation, and intimidation. These forms operated through the regulation of everyday behavior, restriction of resources and social support, and the use of fear to maintain dominance. The study also found five types of victimization effects, including emotional, biological, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal consequences. The analysis revealed that, although the relationship did not involve physical violence, it produced harmful effects on multiple aspects of the victim’s life. The study concluded that toxic relationships in literary narratives could function through subtle forms of control that significantly impacted the victim’s psychological, social, and physical condition. This study contributes to literary studies by showing how Munro’s narrative represents psychological abuse through ordinary dialogue, domestic interaction, and the victim’s inner conflict.