Rape has emerged as a symbolic gatekeeper of conflict-related harm. It is clear that Burns is highlighting a hierarchy of harm that exists with regard to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). 183) The non-physical nature of the harm is also undermined notably by male characters within the novel, as displayed by the reaction of her brother-in-law: “He couldn’t grasp any abuse other than what he termed rape… the physical and verbal aspects could be the only aspects.” (p. 303) However, such harm is completely disregarded by those around her due to the perceived lack of relevance to the occurring political violence: “Everything here was overshadowed by the main topic of conversation in this place.” (p. 64) Furthermore, non-physical harm is displayed through the impact the stalking has on Middle Sister’s mental health, due to the constant paranoia of stalking and the rumour and gossip of the community: “I’d been constructed into a carefully contrasted nothingness by that man and also by the community.” (p. The Milkman stalks Middle Sister throughout the novel, appearing out of nowhere yet he never physically assaults her: “He hadn’t physically touched me … everything had to be physical.” (p. Perhaps the most notable theme is the emphasis on non-physical harm that occurs within the novel. Three themes emerge from the novel that highlight the gendered nature of conflict. Such stalking and rumour have a great impact on her reputation and relationships, but also her mental health. The young girl begins to be stalked by a member of the local paramilitary forces - dubbed locally as “the Milkman” - which fuels rumours and gossip of her new status as a “paramilitary groupie” amongst the local community. The award-winning novel is based on the experiences of a teenage girl (referred to as “middle sister”) living in an unnamed city (which alludes itself to Belfast) within the nationalist community during the 1970s. But what of gender and its role in shaping the lived experience during a conflict? One can explore this in Milkman, by Anna Burns. Commentary regarding the Troubles tends to have tunnel vision, with sectarianism and ethnicity serving as the only scope to explain the conflict and the impact on lived experiences. At a local level, however, it boils down to “us’ens versus them’ens”. The physical conflict that occurred in Northern Ireland between 19 - which claimed the lives of 3,600 people and is referred to locally as “the Troubles” - is defined largely as a sectarian and ethnic conflict.
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