A Taxonomy of Trauma: The Longitudinal Mapping of Memory and Female Identity in 'Tomb of Sand' and 'Independence'

Abstract

The 1947 Partition of the Indian subcontinent created an indelible mark in the historical timeline that has scaffolded a cosmic array of chronicles encompassing Trauma and memory. The intersection of Trauma and memory constitutes a dynamic terrain where the intricate threads of human experience weave a complex tapestry of identity. The nuanced interplay seeks to illuminate the narratives of women's lives from the construct of Partition in the two seminal works, "Tomb of Sand" by Geetanjali Shree and "Independence" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Trauma, a pervasive aspect of the human condition, catalyzes the profound exploration of memory through significant discussions of Cathy Caruth. The intricate nature of memory serves as a repository to understand the experiences of women that reverberated during the time of the Partition holocaust. This provides a fertile ground to dissect the female psyche, unravel the Trauma that imprinted layers, and recognize the patriarchal dimensions. This contributes to the broader discourse on gender studies. It offers insights into how literature reflects societal perceptions of female identity and the resilience and agency displayed in their struggles against entrenched gender norms. Scaffolding the societal constructs surrounding feminity and womanhood, the realms of gender become indispensable subjects. Hence, these complexities embedded in the discourses aim to reflect the symbiotic relationship of Trauma, memory, and the intricate tapestry of female identity.