Jealousy (Book)

Nahid Sırrı Örik’s novel Kıskanmak was published in 1946. It was first serialized in 1937 in the newspaper Tan under the title “Kıskançlık.” The novel exhibits similarities with the realist and psychological novel tradition of 19th-century French literature. The work explores the effects of jealousy on the individual and its relationship with social structures.

Plot

The novel narrates Seniha’s life journey from a mansion in Istanbul to Zonguldak, and the transformation of her jealousy into a desire for revenge. The story revolves around the deep psychological wounds inflicted on Seniha by her family’s injustice and neglect. Örik intertwines the theme of jealousy with personal and social conflicts, offering the reader an intense psychological experience.

Characters

• Seniha: The protagonist of the novel. Neglected by her family, overshadowed by her brother Halit, unmarried, and perceiving herself as unattractive, Seniha is shaped fundamentally by feelings of jealousy and anger.
• Halit: Seniha’s older brother. The favorite child of the family, Halit is the focal point of Seniha’s jealousy. His success and privileged status serve as the catalyst for her resentment.
• Other Supporting Characters: The novel enriches the narrative through family members, friends, and social figures surrounding Seniha and Halit. These characters play significant roles in triggering the events that fuel Seniha’s jealousy.

Themes

In the novel, the themes of jealousy and revenge are explored through Seniha’s internal conflicts and her pursuit of retribution. The perception of beauty and ugliness, rooted in Seniha’s self-image as unattractive, undermines her self-confidence and her position within society. Intrafamilial injustice emerges from the family’s preferential treatment of Halit and is presented as one of the primary causes of Seniha’s emotional breakdowns. The work also critically examines the gender roles and social expectations of the era, particularly in the context of male-female relationships.