ELIZABETH OMOCUWA ODILE

This research work is to explore the theme of family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships, it's roles, relations in family relationships using Laura Dave's The Last Thing He Told Me and Jesmyn Ward's Salvage The Bones as case study. The purpose ofthis study is to conduct an in-depth study of the themes by analyzing the formation of family dynamics and to portray the dysfunctional relationships in these two contemporary novels. It sheds light on how individual struggles with their sence of self amidst admist challenging interpersonal dynamics and how how family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships intersect, influence one another and shape characters journeys in the context of the texts. Using Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of Id , ego and superego to examine the topic and the impact this theory has on the characters in the texts of study. It also explores factors such as poverty, neglect, separation as causes of dysfunction in the family This study considers the societal and cultural context in which the novel are set by looking into the unique perspective and techniques used by each author to address family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships. This research employs the qualitative method of research with the aim of exploring how the characters sense of self identity is influenced by the complex familial contexts they find themselves and how they respond to navigate through these challenges