Trauma Narrative In Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close

Jonathan Safran Foer(1977-)is a representative of the third generation of American Jewish novelists.His second work,Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close(2005),has been regarded as the most moving “9/11” novel of this century.This thesis analyzes the main characters' traumatic symptoms,and healing process,and effects of each one's specific recovery.In this thesis,trauma is defined as a belated,intrusive and repetitive response to sudden or catastrophic events.The thesis further probes into Foer's literary manner of depicting trauma;he includes,by means of dialog,specific measures people can take to recover from trauma.Oskar and his grandparents,central characters,for example,reveal how one can undergo traumatic events and,characteristically,their responses are different.This thesis further includes discussion concerning various trauma symptoms,trauma narrative,as well as trauma recovery,found in the novel;after traumatic events,the characters appear to show signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD).Oskar and his grandparents' PTSD can be categorized into three categories: hyperarousal,intrusion,and constriction.This novel more specifically paints a clear picture of trauma narrative which is defined as telling stories about trauma.Thus,this thesis mainly explores how these narrative techniques work to highlight the novel's theme,which is trauma narrative can help those victims alleviate and even heal their trauma.Firstly,Foer adopts a “repetitive” narrative strategy in the novel,i.e.,excessive repeating,which is consistent with an overt manifestation of trauma.That is,the constant repetition of the same words,images,and actions many times,reveals a subtle “trauma theme” of fear and despair.Secondly,Foer's trauma narrative is also visual.For example,striking images,visual scenes,and pages imprint indelible images into the reader's consciousness,thus showing Oskar's and other characters' traumatic memories and attempt at trauma repair.Thirdly,the trauma narrative in the novel portrays an indirect historic writing,both authentic and fictive.That is,it reflects all civilians' trauma through every individual's traumatic experience.By means of trauma transfer,he reveals trauma is a universal question faced by all and only by means of communication can trauma be alleviated.Finally,the author probes into the healing feasibility of the main characters in the process of trauma recovery.In summary,readers may gain certain insights to better understand others',or their own,trauma experiences by thoughtfully perusing Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close;it can also unveil some medically acceptable ways to heal such a tragic experience.This process can enable those who may have been exposed to such a trauma to more successfully confront and potentially put their own trauma behind them to live a more productive and normal life.