Narrative persona, trauma and healing
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Date
2024
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University of Oum El Bouaghi
Abstract
This thesis presents a comparative analysis of Sylvia Plath’s 20th-century poetry and Rupi Kaur’s 21st-century Insta-poetry, focusing on the themes of narrative persona, trauma, and healing. It argues that poetry has consistently served as a powerful medium for women to articulate their experiences, emotions, and aspirations. The study employs four theoretical frameworks—narrative theory, functional stylistics, Cathy Caruth’s Traditional Trauma Model, and the Reader Response theoryt ,with the dual purpose of honoring the established canons of poetry and embracing the creative transformations brought about by the digital era. The thesis sheds light on the evolution of narrative personas over time, illustrating that despite stylistic differences and the passage of decades, the resonant voices of both poets have left enduring marks on their readers and the literary landscape. It posits that the essence of poetry surpasses form; it is about evoking profound feelings and creating lasting impressions, thus demonstrating the enduring power of poetic expression. Furthermore, the research aims to demonstrate that poetry can be a sanctuary for progressive healing and growth, transforming traumatic memories into something beautiful. It also seeks to challenge the notion of the Instagram reader as a passive consumer, and instead reveals a vibrant, engaged audience. Finally, the thesis asserts tha poetry’s sweetness and relief can be found in both the tangible world of books and the virtual realm of social media, affirming the adaptability and relevance of poetry in any age.