Trauma and Literature

Volume 3 Issue 2 Monsoon Edition 2023

Abstract

Aims: The present paper entitled “Trauma and Literature” aims to elaborate the concept of trauma both in clinical and psychological terms. It also tries to establish a relationship between trauma and literature. Tracing the evolution of the term through different stages of the time, the paper finally provides a new way to analyze certain literary texts from the perspectives of trauma theory. Methodology and Approaches: The paper is primarily based on the elaborations of the insights given by the various critics of the psychoanalysis regarding trauma, its nature and implication. The elaborations have been made in such a way that can lead to a larger understanding of literary narratives as an outcome of traumatic psyche. The methods and approaches adopted for writing of this paper are explanatory, comparative and analytical. Outcome: The paper offers a new approach to relook into certain literary texts. It also raises question on the role of memory as a device to ascertain historical facts in a troubled time. Conclusion and Suggestions: Trauma is an overwhelming experience of sudden or catastrophic events, in which the response to the event occurs in the often delayed, and uncontrolled repetitive occurrence of hallucinations and other intrusive phenomena. There are many literary texts which are the pure product of a traumatic mind. From the perspectives of trauma theory, an interpretation of the famous texts like “Toba Tek Singh” by Saadat Hasan Manto, “the Fly” by Catherine Mansfield, Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Color Purple by Alice Walker can be made.