Trauma and Literature

Cambridge Critical Concepts

by J. Roger Kurtz (Editor)

As a concept, 'trauma' has attracted a great deal of interest in literary studies. A key term in psychoanalytic approaches to literary study, trauma theory represents a critical approach that enables new modes of reading and of listening. It is a leading concept of our time, applicable to individuals, cultures, and nations. This book traces how trauma theory has come to constitute a discrete but influential approach within literary criticism in recent decades. It offers an overview of the genesis and growth of literary trauma theory, recording the evolution of the concept of trauma in relation to literary studies. In twenty-one essays, covering the origins, development, and applications of trauma in literary studies, Trauma and Literature addresses the relevance and impact this concept has in the field.

Genres: Research

418 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2018

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great introduction and contribution to trauma studies (I say both because it functions both as an introduction to those who are unfamiliar with trauma studies as well as going quite in-depth with it once the basic information and history has been established). The authors all had something very different to contribute, which is not only more informative but shows how vast the field is, and while they did occasionally have different understandings of various aspects of trauma studies, it never felt argumentative (in a negative way) or invalidating of each other. That's something that can be quite difficult in an anthology, especially in such a contentious field, and I really appreciated that. I found its structure (origins, development, application) very useful and I appreciated that it wasn't largely close readings of various literature through the lens of trauma studies, but rather analyzed the field in relation to literature as a whole. I thought most of the analyses were insightful and carefully written. Overall, a really great collection that enhanced my understanding of the field as well as how to approach writing about trauma in literature.