Trauma And Recovery

Richard Wright is regarded as an indispensable representative figure in the American literary history. His masterpiece Native Son is a novel which is worshipped as one of the American classics. Published in 1940, this novel has received world-wide praise and won the novelist the fame of the most popular Afro-American writer. In the western critical field, it is generally believed that only after the publication of Native Son did the Africa-American literature gain its position in American literature as a whole. Richard Wright is also respected as the "father of modern Afro-American novel". Many researchers have interpreted the novel from different perspectives such as racism, artistic technique, characters and existentialism. This thesis explores the novel in light of trauma theory.According to the trauma theorists, trauma refers to those stressful life experiences which shatter the established assumption towards the world. Thus, the traumatized people feel the sense of despair and display traumatic symptoms. In Native Son, the protagonist, Bigger Thomas, has been wedged into the marginal position even since he was born. His miserable life and unequal treatment in the society trigger his trauma. And his accidental smothering of the white girl aggravates his sufferings. It is obvious that Bigger represents traumatic symptoms after he undergoes trauma events. Judith Herman emphasizes that the crucial step for victims to recover from trauma is effective speaking, reconnection with his community and regaining his identity. With the assistance of Jan Erlone and Max, Bigger eventually works through trauma by establishing a new vision, a vision that enables him to rebuild connection with the outside world and to find his own value in the society.In addition to the introduction and conclusion, the whole thesis consists of four chapters.The introduction draws a sketch of the novelist and his work Native Son and makes a review of studies carried on the novel from home and abroad and thus reveals the objective and significance of the thesis.Chapter One mainly concerns on trauma theory, expounding the definition of trauma, the symptoms of trauma, traumatic effects on the victims and the approaches to working through trauma. Besides, this part also gives an account of the specific trauma theory applied in the thesis, providing a theoretical framework for the following chapters.Chapter Two explains the traumatic events Bigger undergoes. Under the circumstance of racism and economic crisis, Bigger, the representative of the underclass black community, has endured racial discrimination and oppression since he was born. The vast social and economic oppression play the crucial role in triggering Bigger’s trauma. And his accidental smothering of the white girl aggravates his injuries.Chapter Three explores Bigger’s traumatic symptoms and the effects of trauma on him. He often unconsciously replays the intrusion of the images, thoughts and feelings. He gradually isolates himself from his family, community and even loses his faith in God. In addition, Bigger also presents dissociative psychology which is reflected in his split consciousness and confusion about his identity.Chapter Four analyzes Bigger’s recovery from trauma. By means of telling his stories and seeking his value in the society, Bigger eventually recovers from trauma and finds his meanings as a black entity.The conclusion part makes a summary of the whole thesis. Based on the exploration of the protagonist’s psychological changes, this thesis concludes that the hero’s psychological development in Native Son fits in well with the trauma theory. By using the trauma theory to study this novel, the present author hopes it can help deepen the understanding of the novel and enrich the findings of its research. Finally the limitations of this thesis are mentioned for further study and improvement.