Trauma and Memory: The Impact of Political Turmoil on Individual Lives in Susan Abulhawa's Mornings in Jenin

Abstract

This research paper explores the intricate interplay between trauma, memory, and identity in the context of political conflict, as depicted in Susan Abulhawa's novel Mornings in Jenin. Abulhawa's works provide a profound narrative lens through which the Palestinian experience of displacement, violence, and resistance is articulated, making her novels rich sites for examining the psychological and emotional impacts of political turmoil. In Mornings in Jenin, the narrative of the Abulheja family, spanning several generations, offers insights into the persistent trauma inflicted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The novel shows how collective memory and personal trauma are intertwined, shaping the identities of individuals and communities. By analysing this text, this paper argues that Abulhawa not only captures the historical and cultural essence of the Palestinian plight but also delves into the psychological dimensions of trauma. The study utilises a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on theories from trauma studies, memory studies, and postcolonial literature to discuss how memory and trauma are negotiated in Abulhawa's narratives. The paper reveals how Abulhawa’s portrayal of these themes serves as a powerful commentary on the impacts of political conflict on individual lives, proposing that memory can serve as a means of resistance and survival in the face of ongoing turmoil.