A Relational Dialectics Examination of Friendship and Conflict in Hanya Yanagihara’s ‘A Little Life’

Abstract

Using the Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) as the basis of analysis, the research covers the friendship and conflict dynamics in Hanya Yanagihara's book A Little Life. The study brings forth significant discoveries of the complexities of human interaction with a focus on the relationships of the main characters - Malcolm, Jude, Willem, and JB, as they reflect on the dialectical tensions of autonomy vs connectedness, openness vs closedness, as well as stability vs change in their lives. It explores how the protagonists handle growing complexity of their friendship, that is accompanied by the questions of identity, intimacy, and personal responsibility with the help of the comprehensive analysis of some of the significant passages of the novel. Through its systemic approach, RDT, as a theory, offers the required help in understanding the workings of relationships portrayed in the book. The study contributes not only to the in-depth understanding of the stories and characters which the author communicates, but also emphasizes the hardships people experience during the establishment and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. It offers meaningful insights for both literary analysis and real-life interpersonal negotiations which bring into light the importance of empathy, communication, and mutual support in the resolution of conflicts within human relationships.