37th Annual Student Research Conference
Save The World, Ride a Horseman (of the Apocalypse)
Marliere G. Toothaker
Dr. Dereck Daschke, Faculty Mentor
"Save the World, Ride a Horseman (of the Apocalypse)" examines Laura Thalassa's Four Horsemen Series through the lens of religious trauma, highlighting how the apocalyptic setting justifies abusive behavior within the narrative. The paper explores psychological dynamics, revealing how victims of abuse seek validation from their abusers, mirroring the manipulation often seen in real-life abusive relationships. By portraying the Horsemen as agents of divine will, the novels rationalize their actions, reinforcing harmful beliefs about power dynamics and submission. Through character analysis and thematic exploration, the paper emphasizes the complex interplay between religious trauma, abuse, and empowerment in apocalyptic romance literature. It underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing these themes for both literary analysis and real-world discussions of trauma and recovery.
Keywords: Religious Trauma, Apocalypse, Horseman, Romance, Abuse, Psychology, Laura Thalassa
Topic(s):Philosophy & Religion
PHRE Senior Seminar
English
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 105-4
Location: SUB 3202
Time: 10:00