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Paper ID:IJSREM44441

Memory, Trauma, and the Narrative Arc: A Deep Dive into the Representation of Pain and Healing in Contemporary Literature

Stream/Area:

-

Subject:

-

Paper ID:

IJSREM44441

Volume:

9 |

4 |

Apr 2025

Pages:

1-9

Publication Frequency:

Monthly (12 issues per year)

DOI
Digital Object Identifier
10.55041/IJSREM44441

License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.

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Authors

DRS

Dr. Rakhi Sharma

Applied Sciences & Humanities

IIMT College of Engineering, Greater Noida

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DRA

Dr. Ram Avtar

Applied Sciences & Humanities

IIMT College of Engineering, Greater Noida

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Abstract

The intersection of memory and narrative, particularly in the context of trauma, has been a central concern for scholars across disciplines. Contemporary literature, with its ability to delve into the complexities of human experience, has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring the ways in which traumatic events shape individuals and societies. This article seeks to examine how contemporary authors utilize narrative techniques to represent trauma, exploring the interplay between memory, identity, and the construction of meaning. By analysing key works from the contemporary literary canon, we will delve into the complex relationship between trauma and narrative, considering themes of fragmentation, repetition, and the search for healing. Before delving into the literary representations of trauma, it is essential to consider the psychological nature of traumatic memory. Trauma, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is "a psychological response to a distressing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope" (APA, 2022). Traumatic experiences can disrupt the normal processes of memory formation and retrieval, leading to a range of psychological symptoms, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance. One of the defining characteristics of traumatic memory is its tendency to be fragmented and intrusive. Unlike ordinary memories, which can be accessed voluntarily and integrated into a coherent narrative, traumatic memories often appear unexpectedly and involuntarily, often accompanied by intense emotional and physiological responses. This fragmentation can make it difficult for individuals to process and understand their traumatic experiences, leading to feelings of disorientation and alienation.

KEYWORDS

flashbacks hypervigilance and avoidance

Cite This Article

Dr. Rakhi Sharma, Dr. Ram Avtar, "Memory, Trauma, and the Narrative Arc: A Deep Dive into the Representation of Pain and Healing in Contemporary Literature," International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 1-9, Apr 2025. https://doi.org/10.55041/IJSREM44441

Full Article/Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of memory and narrative in contemporary trauma literature reveals the transformative power of storytelling in addressing the complexities of human suffering. These works illuminate the multifaceted nature of trauma and its enduring impact, while also serving as a means of processing, understanding, and transcending it. By engaging with these narratives, readers are called to bear witness, foster empathy, and envision a more just and compassionate future, ultimately affirming the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring significance of memory in shaping our collective humanity.

References

·                     American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). ·                     Sontag, S. (2003). On photography. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ·                     Gilman, C. P. (1892). The yellow wallpaper. [Reprinted in The Norton anthology of American literature (Vol. 2, pp. 714–723)]. W. W. Norton & Company. ·                     Morrison, T. (1987). Beloved. Alfred A. Knopf. ·                     Hosseini, K. (2003). The kite runner. Viking. ·                     Chbosky, S. (1999). The perks of being a wallflower. Penguin Books. ·                     Atwood, M. (1985). The handmaid's tale. McClelland & Stewart. ·        Caruth, C. (1996). Unclaimed experience: Trauma, narrative, and history. Johns ·        Spiegelman, A. (1986). Maus. Pantheon. ·        Barnes, J. (2011). The sense of an ending. Jonathan Cape. ·        Nguyen, V. T. (2015). The sympathizer. Grove Press. ·        Ishiguro, K. (2005). Never let me go. Faber and Faber. ·        Wiesel, E. (1960). Night. Hill and Wang. ·        Adichie, C. N. (2006). Half of a yellow sun. Fourth Estate.  

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Publication Date

4/29/2025

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Review Rounds: 2

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