The Language of Trauma and the Possibility of Solidarity in Gong Seon-ok’s Fiction — Focusing on Where Did the Song Come From? —

Key Points

• To explore how trauma and its representation in Gong Seon-ok's fiction reflect on personal and collective experiences.
• Analyzed the narrative techniques in 'Where Did the Song Come From?'
• Interpreted silence and fragmented language as forms of nonverbal expression of trauma
• Applied Anne Rogers' concept of the 'unspeakable' to understand the thematic depth in the literature
• Identified significant shifts in the perception of historical events through personal memories
• Highlighted the importance of recognizing unspoken pain and its potential to foster solidarity
• Demonstrated how Gong Seon-ok’s use of music and sound creates a communal understanding of trauma