08 : where's Abel?!

Am I my brother’s keeper?

— Genesis 4:9

The biblical tale of Cain and Abel is a profound exploration of envy, jealousy, rejection, and the destructive nature of unresolved internal conflicts. In this story, Cain's inability to confront his own feelings of inadequacy and anger toward his brother leads to a tragic act of violence.

Through the lens of Jungian psychology, Cain’s story reflects the internal struggle of projecting one’s shadow — those parts of the self we reject or disown — onto others.

In this Keith Vaughan’s 1946 painting Cain and Abel, the raw emotional tension between the two figures is palpable. The artist’s expressionistic approach captures the anguish of Cain as he grapples with his inner turmoil. Vaughan’s bold lines and colour choices convey a profound sense of isolation and despair, mirroring the psychological reality of victimhood.

Cain, Cain, where is Abel?

Cain’s question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is more than an inquiry about his brother — it is an inward cry, a defence mechanism masking his failure to take ownership of his feelings and actions.

This is the Drama Triangle in action: a psychological dynamic where people unconsciously adopt the roles of Victim, Persecutor, or Rescuer. In Cain’s case, he becomes the Victim, feeling rejected by God and overshadowed by his brother. Instead of addressing his own internal conflict, Cain externalizes his anger, which leads to destructive consequences. Vaughan’s painting starkly illustrates this emotional fragmentation — the internal battle that erupts outwardly.

In these 40 days of Lent, we are invited to reflect on our own role in the Drama Triangle. Like Cain, we may feel victimized by circumstances or others, but we have the power to break free. The key is self-awareness: acknowledging the internal forces that contribute to our victimhood and taking responsibility for them. We can ask ourselves: What part of me is playing the Victim, and how can I choose to reclaim my power?

The invitation here is not to deny our emotions or the challenges we face, but to look inward and recognize how we might be subconsciously holding ourselves in a cycle of victimhood. By shifting our perspective, we can step out of the Drama Triangle and move toward a place of empowerment and agency.

Journaling Prompt: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt like a victim. How did this dynamic play out in your life? What internal feelings or projections might have contributed to this role? How can you take responsibility for breaking the cycle and empowering yourself in future situations?

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