The Poetics Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Postmodern Literature

The Poetics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Postmodern Literature provides an interdisciplinary exploration in early medical trauma treatment and the emergent postmodern canon of the 1960s and 1970s. By identifying key postmodern literary tropes (paranoia, uncanniness, biomediation) as products of an overarching post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) narrative paradigm, this concise study reveals unexplored aspects of the canonical novels at hand—such as the link between individual and collective traumatization—highlights the presence of epic elements in postmodern narratives, and identifies the influence of emerging psychiatric treatment on the post-WWII novels at hand. Performing a medical humanities reading of Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow (1973), Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-5 (1969), and Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 (1961), this book introduces a novel way of examining trauma at the intersection of narrative, history, and medicine and recalibrates the importance of postmodern politics of transformation, while making the case for an aesthetics of trauma. By examining the historico-political developments that dictated the formation of PTSD in the wake of the wars in Korea and Vietnam, this book argues that the perception of PTSD symptoms directly influenced aesthetic and literary tropes of the Cold War era.

The Poetics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Postmodern Literature provides an interdisciplinary exploration in early medical trauma treatment and the emergent postmodern canon of the 1960s and 1970s. By identifying key postmodern literary tropes (paranoia, uncanniness, biomediation) as products of an overarching post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) narrative paradigm, this concise study reveals unexplored aspects of the canonical novels at hand-such as the link between individual and collective traumatization-highlights the presence of epic elements in postmodern narratives, and identifies the influence of emerging psychiatric treatment on the post-WWII novels at hand. Performing a medical humanities reading of Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow (1973), Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-5 (1969), and Joseph Heller's Catch-22 (1961), this book introduces a novel way of examining trauma at the intersection of narrative, history, and medicine and recalibrates the importance of postmodern politics of transformation, while making the case for an aesthetics of trauma. By examining the historico-political developments that dictated the formation of PTSD in the wake of the wars in Korea and Vietnam, this book argues that the perception of PTSD symptoms directly influenced aesthetic and literary tropes of the Cold War era.

The 9/11 attacks brought large-scale violence into the 21st century with force and have come to epitomize the entanglement of intimate vulnerability and virtual spectacle that is typical of the globalized present. This book works at the intersection of trauma studies, affect theory, and literary studies to offer radically new interpretive frames for interrogating the challenges inherent in representing the initial moments of the terrorist encounter. Beyond the paradigm of traumatic unspeakability, post-9/11 texts expose the materiality of the human body in its universal vulnerability. The intersubjective empathy this engenders is politically subversive, as it undermines the discourse of historical singularity and exceptionalism by establishing a global network of reference and dialogue. Innovative theoretical interconnections between clinical pathology, concepts of cultural trauma, and political aesthetics lay the foundations for exploring formally and geographically diverse texts. Close readings of works by Jonathan Safran Foer, Art Spiegelman, Don DeLillo, and William Gibson map the relationship between representations of 9/11 and complex aspects of trauma theory. This detailed approach makes a case for revisiting trauma theory and bringing its Freudian origins into the digitized present. It showcases trauma as a physical and psychological wound as well as an experience that is simultaneously pre-discursive and inhibited by the virtuality of the present-day real. Exploring how contemporary trauma studies can take into account the digitization and virtuality of present-day realities, this book is a key intervention in establishing a contemporary ethics of witnessing terror.

She received her BA in English from Franklin and Marshall College in 2001 and after teaching for two years decided to pursue a career in physical therapy. She graduated with her DPT in physical therapy from Rutgers School of Health Professions, formerly known as The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2009 and has been working in the field ever since. In her spare time, she likes to play sports, hike, be near water, listen to music, spend time with her two cats Vicki and Prescott, along with her foster cat Ellie, and be around family and friends.

Literary trauma studies is a rapidly developing field which examines how literature deals with the personal and cultural aspects of trauma and engages with such historical and current phenomena as the Holocaust and other genocides, 9/11, climate catastrophe or the still unsettled legacy of colonialism. The Routledge Companion to Literature and Trauma is a comprehensive guide to the history and theory of trauma studies, including key concepts, consideration of critical perspectives and discussion of future developments. It also explores different genres and media, such as poetry, life-writing, graphic narratives, photography and post-apocalyptic fiction, and analyses how literature engages with particular traumatic situations and events, such as the Holocaust, the Occupation of France, the Rwandan genocide, Hurricane Katrina and transgenerational nuclear trauma. Forty essays from top thinkers in the field demonstrate the range and vitality of trauma studies as it has been used to further the understanding of literature and other cultural forms across the world. Chapter 2 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

In "Poetry from the PTSD Mind," prepare to embark on an extraordinary voyage through the haunting depths of Military PTSD, guided by a collection of poignant poems that offer solace, understanding, and, most importantly - hope. This compelling compilation, tailored for individuals facing their own battles with PTSD as well as those seeking a profound comprehension of its impact, delves into the transformative journey from anguish to healing, illuminating the resilience of the human spirit. Within the pages of this book, you will discover a raw and unfiltered expression of emotions that permeate every line and verse. Each carefully crafted poem paints a vivid portrait of the daily struggles faced by those affected by PTSD, evoking a powerful sense of empathy and understanding. From the haunting echoes of nightmares to the shattered fragments of trust, these verses immerse you in a world where pain and perseverance coexist in harmony. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a flicker of light that emerges from within these poems. It is the light of resilience, of triumph, and of healing. As you decipher the words, you will witness the gradual yet profound transformation from a shattered soul to one that finds solace and strength in the process of healing. In the face of adversity, these poems serve as a guiding beacon, reminding us that hope can be found even in the deepest abyss. "Poetry from the PTSD Mind" transcends mere words on a page. It is a profound testimony to the power of human resilience, a testament to the unwavering spirit that emerges from the depths of trauma. Through the heartfelt insights contained within each poem, you will gain a deeper understanding of the daily struggles faced by those affected by PTSD, cultivating empathy and compassion within your own heart. Immerse yourself in this captivating collection and traverse the labyrinth of emotions that accompany the journey towards healing. Prepare to be moved, to be touched, and to ultimately find solace as you witness the transformative power of the human spirit. Let "Poetry from the PTSD Mind" be your companion, your guide, and your source of courage on this path towards reclaiming life from the clutches of darkness.

Trauma has become a hotly contested topic in literary studies. But interest in trauma is not new; its roots extend to the Romantic period, when novelists and the first psychiatrists influenced each others' investigations of the »wounded mind«. This book looks back to these early attempts to understand trauma, reading a selection of Romantic novels in dialogue with Romantic and contemporary psychiatry. It then carries that dialogue forward to postmodern fiction, examining further how empirical approaches can deepen our theorizations of trauma. Within an interdisciplinary framework, this study reveals fresh insights into the poetics, politics, and ethics of trauma fiction.

Two veterans use poetry and photography as a means of dealing and coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

When beginning her journey towards learning to live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Jennifer Lamson-LaPlume started writing poetry. She found that she had written a collection of poems that might be helpful to others. This collection of poetry is written in hopes that it will help people who are living with PTSD to feel less alone and give hope. Also, it is hoped that these poems can give other people, especially those in the role of supporting someone with PTSD, understand a little more about what living with PTSD might be like.

This book of poetry is a unique collection - spanning over twenty years of living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Written at different times, the poems nonetheless share many themes in common including the dialectic between speaking and remaining silent; the need to have control over one's body and self-image; the difficulty of maintaining relationships (e.g., being a daughter, mother, wife, sister, friend) while dealing with PTSD, and the process of "healing" and reaching out to others with care and compassion. It is not, however, only meaningful to those with PTSD; the poems in this volume also reflect the experience of growing up as a woman in a sexist society and the need to recreate and recapture our history, literature, and love for each other and for ourselves.