The Paradoxical Potential of
Trauma: Mapping Mariam’s Traumatic Manifestations in Khaled
Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns
Dr. O. Minu
Agnus
ABSTRACT
This paper aims to examine the psychological
trajectory of Mariam, one of the two protagonists in Khaled
Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns, within the conceptual framework
of Trauma Studies to understand the paradoxical potential of trauma.
This study accentuates how the trauma inflicted self of Mariam
exhibits its repercussions in multiple layers, such as
intergenerational, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral
manifestations. Drawing upon the insights of the trauma theorist
Judith Herman, this research significantly underscores how these
different manifestations of trauma aid in transforming Mariam from
being a reticent victim into an empowered redeemer. Subsequently,
the analysis of this novel through the lens of a trauma-focused
framework contributes to the broader discussions in feminist trauma
studies on how solidarity and empathy would bring the possibilities
of healing and redemption even within the strongly rooted oppressive
patriarchal structures.
Key Words: Intergenerational Manifestation, Emotional Manifestation,
Cognitive Manifestation, Behavioural Manifestation, Fatalistic
Worldv
