Identifier

189

Cy C. Tremmel

Date

2021

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

English

Concentration

Literature

Committee Chair

Shelby Crosby

Committee Member

Kathy Schultz

Abstract

This thesis examines and analyzes the current literary field's understanding of psychoanalytically-informed trauma theory through firstly looking at Cathy Caruth's work. Subsequently, in order to reveal the textual application of the defining notions of trauma studies, I turn to Hanya Yanagihara's "A Little Life." The story employs several central characteristics of trauma through the character of Jude, who has suffered from deeply traumatic events throughout his life. Moreover, this thesis also examines the importance of an empathic response to trauma, as Yanagihara ultimately encourages the reader to meet Jude's trauma with an empathetic understanding.

Comments

Undergraduate Honor's Thesis

Library Comment

Honors thesis originally submitted to the Local University of Memphis Honor’s Thesis Repository.

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