Exploring the Craft of Inducing Conflict and Tension Through the Use of Psychological Trauma Remnants
In the realm of literature, trauma ghosts have emerged as a captivating and thought-provoking concept, serving as a metaphor for the enduring impact of past suffering and the human capacity for healing and redemption.
Charlotte Bronte's classic novel, Jane Eyre, introduces Bertha, a living trauma ghost, representing Rochester's past suffering and creating a significant source of conflict in the love story. Bertha's presence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of past actions and the burden they can impose on relationships.
V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue delves into the burden of the past, with the protagonist, Addie, carrying a decision through the centuries. This novel explores the weight of the past and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In a more contemporary context, Peter Straub's Ghost Story follows the haunting of four elderly men by a paranormal shapeshifter named Eva. Eva serves as a tormentor, reminding the men of their past actions and forcing them to confront their guilt.
Natalia Hero's novella Hum presents a unique take on trauma and healing. A woman gives birth to a bird as a means of coping with trauma, and the bird symbolizes the healing process and the potential for growth from adversity.
The concept of trauma ghosts is also prevalent in Marina, a central character in The Butcher and The Liar. Marina is a manifestation of the protagonist's shame and guilt, representing the legacy of past suffering and its tendency to endure in the subconscious.
Noelle W. Ihli's suspenseful thriller, Ask for Andrea, offers a different perspective, with the story told from the viewpoint of the ghosts of three women who were killed by the same man. This novel serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of violence and the enduring presence of the victims.
Fiction, in its various forms, continues to be a popular avenue for exploring the exceptionalism of the human mind and its ability to evolve, create, survive, and linger after death. Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones is a poignant example, with the character Susie helping her family heal from her grisly murder and addressing her own ability to accept her death and let go of her old life.
Emily St. John Mandel's The Glass Hotel further utilizes the presence of ghosts to remind characters of their past misdeeds and to help them deal with unfinished business. This novel underscores the importance of confronting the past and the potential for growth and redemption.
In conclusion, the human capacity for dealing with trauma is vast and multifaceted, and literature offers a rich tapestry of explorations into this complex facet of the human experience. Trauma ghosts, as a literary device, provide a powerful means of delving into the depths of human suffering and the potential for healing and redemption.
