The Archaeology of Loss: Transgenerational Trauma in Susan Abulhawa's Mornings in Jenin

Abstract

This study explores the representation of transgenerational trauma in Susan Abulhawa's Mornings in Jenin, focusing on how the traumatic experiences of the 1948 Nakba continue to affect Palestinian identity and collective memory across generations. Using Hirsch’s trauma theory as the theoretical framework, the research examines how trauma is not a singular event but a fragmented and persistent experience that is passed down through familial and cultural narratives. Through a close reading of the novel, the study investigates the ways in which characters like Dalia inherit and confront the psychological and emotional scars of their ancestors, highlighting the non-linear narrative structure as a reflection of the cyclical nature of trauma. The research further underscores the significance of collective memory in shaping Palestinian identity, illustrating how the trauma of displacement and loss continues to resonate within the Palestinian community. By analyzing the literary portrayal of transgenerational trauma, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological, emotional, and cultural impacts of historical violence, offering insights into the role of literature in processing, remembering, and resisting historical injustice.