Trauma and Literature

This book traces how trauma theory has come to constitute a discrete but influential approach within literary criticism.

J. Roger Kurtz (Edited by)

9781107176645, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 March 2018

418 pages
23.5 x 16 x 2.7 cm, 0.69 kg

As a concept, 'trauma' has attracted a great deal of interest in literary studies. A key term in psychoanalytic approaches to literary study, trauma theory represents a critical approach that enables new modes of reading and of listening. It is a leading concept of our time, applicable to individuals, cultures, and nations. This book traces how trauma theory has come to constitute a discrete but influential approach within literary criticism in recent decades. It offers an overview of the genesis and growth of literary trauma theory, recording the evolution of the concept of trauma in relation to literary studies. In twenty-one essays, covering the origins, development, and applications of trauma in literary studies, Trauma and Literature addresses the relevance and impact this concept has in the field.

Introduction
Part I. Origins: 1. The psychoanalytic origins of literary trauma studies Andrew Barnaby
2. Modernity as the cultural crucible of trauma Karolyn Steffens
3. Deconstruction: trauma inscribed in language Tom Toremans
4. The Holocaust as the ultimate trauma narrative Anna Hunter
5. Ptsd: a new trauma paradigm Lisa Diedrich
Part II. Development: 6. Trauma and narrative Joshua Pederson
7. Problems in representing trauma Marinella Rodi-Risberg
8. Trauma in non-Western contexts Irene Visser
9. Trauma and memory Silke Arnold-De Simine
10. Neuroscience, narrative, and emotion regulations William Seeley
11. Trauma in the digital age Allen Meek
12. Feminist interventions in trauma studies Jennifer Griffiths
13. Healing and post-traumatic growth Suzanne Lalonde
Part III. Applications: 14. Trauma and the literature of war Gerd Bayer
15. Trauma and sexual violence Emma V. Miller
16. Postcolonial trauma Jennifer Yusin
17. Trauma and the visual arts Marie Krüger
18. The middle passage and race-based trauma Luminita M. Dragulescu
19. The trauma of displacement Madelaine Hron
20. Trauma, truth and reconciliation Erica Still
21. Terrorism: trauma in the excess of affect Michael Richardson
Conclusion: after trauma studies.

Subject Areas: Literary reference works [DSR], Literary studies: general [DSB], Literary theory [DSA]