Spiritual Wickedness in High Places

Trauma, Violence, and Betrayal in Harlot’s Ghost

Authors

  • Marina Rosenthal University of Oregon Author

Keywords:

Harlot’s Ghost, trauma theory, PTSD and masculinity, CIA institutional culture, sexual violence, paranoia and surveillance, power and aggression

Abstract

Harlot’s Ghost offers a complex examination of masculinity and trauma within an institution that encourages violence and forbids weakness. Mailer tells the tale of Harry Hubbard’s life in and out of the CIA, a story filled with a cast of highly traumatized characters, a narrative laced with child sexual abuse and betrayal.

Author Biography

  • Marina Rosenthal, University of Oregon

    Marina Rosenthal is a graduate of Occidental College and a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon. She recently completed her master’s thesis on the intersection of sexual violence, pleasure, and communication on college campuses. Between seeing clients, teaching students, and conducting studies, Marina still makes time for Mailer.

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Published

2026-10-09

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2013): A Double Life • Mind of an Outlaw

Section

Articles