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

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