Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities

INTEGRITY JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Integrity Research Journals

ISSN: 2811-2407
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/IJAH
Start Year: 2020
Email: ijah@integrityresjournals.org

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Psycho-criminological exploration of stalking in selected novels of Thomas Hardy and Elechi Amadi

https://doi.org/10.31248/IJAH2026.270   |   Article Number: 6F2822159   |   Vol.7 (2) - August 2026

Received Date: 24 July 2026   |   Accepted Date: 27 August 2026  |   Published Date: 30 August 2026

Author:  Unoroh Solomon Ogheneochuko

Keywords: Exploration, psychoanalysis, psycho-criminology, stalking, victimology.

ABSTRACT

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All over the world, stalking is perceived as a form of crime in interpersonal relationships and a form of psychological victimisation. Literary representations of stalking abound but are relatively underexplored. This paper examines a psycho-criminological exploration of stalking in selected novels by Thomas Hardy and Elechi Amadi, with a focus on stalking as a criminological and psycho social phenomenon as well as a weapon of warfare, dominance and control. The paper uses qualitative textual analysis, close reading, along with criminological, victimological, and psychoanalytical theoretical frameworks. The findings reveal that surveillance is a form of crime, a psycho- social disorder manifesting as unwanted contact and an obsession that aims to intimidate victims. The paper contributes to literary scholarship and criminology by revealing that stalking is a form of deviant behaviour having both psychological and social consequences.

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