Navigating Parenthood in Rumble Fish
by S.E. Hinton: A Psychological Perspective
A. Vijayageetha¹ and Dr. R.
Geetha²
ABSTRACT
S.E. Hinton’s Rumble Fish presents a stark and
emotionally charged portrait of adolescence shaped by fractured
family dynamics and the absence of nurturing parental figures. At
the heart of the narrative lies Rusty-James, a troubled teenager
whose quest for identity and belonging unfolds in a world devoid of
emotional support, guidance, or stability. The novel’s exploration
of parental neglect and its psychological consequences resonates
deeply with several foundational theories in developmental
psychology.
This paper applies five major psychological frameworks—Attachment
Theory, Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, Social Learning
Theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and Trauma Theory, to analyze
the behavioral and emotional development of Rusty-James and his
relationship with his father and brother, Motorcycle Boy. Through
the lens of Attachment Theory, Rusty-James’s avoidant tendencies and
emotional detachment reflect the long-term effects of caregiver
absence. Erikson’s model of psychosocial development highlights his
struggle with identity formation, while Bandura’s Social Learning
Theory explains his imitation of maladaptive behaviors modeled by
his brother. Maslow’s hierarchy reveals unmet foundational needs
that hinder his psychological growth, and Trauma Theory underscores
the lasting impact of abandonment and instability on his mental
health.
By integrating these psychological perspectives, this paper aims to
illuminate the complex interplay between parental absence and
adolescent development in Rumble Fish, offering a deeper
understanding of how Hinton’s characters embody the emotional
consequences of broken homes and neglected youth.
Key words: family dynamics, troubled teenager, maladaptive,
psychological perspectives, broken homes
