Weekly Assignment 3 (1)
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of California, Los Angeles *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by UltraDonkeyMaster46
**Assignment Title: Memory and Trauma in Postwar Literature**
**Objective:** To critically analyze and compare how contemporary authors explore themes of
memory and trauma in their novels set in the aftermath of wars. Examine how characters grapple
with the impact of war on personal and collective memories.
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose Two Contemporary Novels Set in the Aftermath of War:**
- Select two contemporary novels that prominently feature themes related to the aftermath of
wars, focusing on the exploration of memory and trauma. Examples include "The Sympathizer"
by Viet Thanh Nguyen, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, "The Nightingale" by Kristin
Hannah, or works of your choice.
2. **Introduction to Postwar Literature Themes:**
- Provide an introduction to the themes of memory and trauma in postwar literature. Discuss
how contemporary authors use fiction to explore the enduring impact of war on individuals and
societies, examining the complexities of memory and the lasting trauma experienced by
characters.
3. **Analysis of Memory Exploration:**
- Analyze how each author portrays the exploration of memory within their novel. Discuss the
characters' recollections of wartime experiences, the reconstruction of personal histories, and the
role of memory in shaping their present lives.
4. **Exploration of Trauma:**
- Focus on the exploration of trauma depicted in the narratives. Discuss how characters grapple
with the psychological and emotional aftermath of war, examining the long-term effects of
trauma on their mental well-being and relationships.
5. **Collective Memory and Historical Narratives:**
- Examine the portrayal of collective memory and historical narratives in the novels. Discuss
how the characters contribute to or challenge societal understandings of wartime events, and the
ways in which historical narratives shape individual and collective memories.
6. **Impact on Relationships and Identity:**
- Explore the impact of war on relationships and identity. Discuss how characters' relationships
with family, friends, and their sense of self are influenced by their wartime experiences and the
resulting memories and trauma.
7. **Narrative Techniques for Memory and Trauma Exploration:**
- Analyze the narrative techniques used by each author for exploring memory and trauma.
Discuss how storytelling devices, perspectives, and structural choices contribute to the portrayal
of the characters' experiences in the aftermath of war.
8. **Comparative Analysis of Memory and Trauma Themes:**
- Compare the exploration of memory and trauma themes in the two novels. Discuss
similarities and differences in how the authors approach and interpret the complexities of
postwar memory and trauma.
9. **Relevance to Contemporary Understanding of War Impact:**
- Reflect on the relevance of the themes presented in the novels to contemporary
understandings of the impact of war on individuals and societies. Discuss whether the issues
explored by the authors remain pertinent in today's world and contribute to broader conversations
about trauma, memory, and historical consciousness.
**Assessment Criteria:**
- Clear identification and explanation of memory and trauma themes in postwar literature.
- Thorough analysis of the portrayal of memory exploration, trauma, and collective memory in
the selected works.
- Insightful exploration of the impact of war on relationships and identity, and narrative
techniques for memory and trauma exploration.
- Comprehensive comparison of memory and trauma themes in the two novels.
- Consideration of the relevance of memory and trauma themes to contemporary understanding
of war impact.
- Thoughtful reflection on the impact of war on the characters and narratives.
**Submission Details:**
- Submit your assignment in the agreed format to the instructor by the specified deadline.
Feel free to reach out to the instructor if you have any questions or need guidance as you work
on the assignment.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help