Representing the Colonial Trauma: Speaking the Unspeakable in Francophone Literature

Note: this class can be taught in French or in English

Note 2: This class can also integrate French literature, notably soldiers PTSD and mentally-ill figures (Charcot’s work+Wooden Crosses by Roland Dorgelès)

In this class, we will talk about representations of trauma in francophone literature, how they relate to postcolonial questions of power and identity, and explore what these representations of trauma tell us about the relationship between colonial countries and their former colonies in this postcolonial world. In particular, we will take an interest in the relationship between language (as in the act of speaking, but also which language we speak–maternal versus educational languages), gender, silence and trauma.

Warning: By the nature of this class’ subject, some texts will be about physical and mental trauma, although I generally tend to avoid the more gruesome stuff–I will tell you whenever something might be triggering, and what type of trigger warnings. We can always discuss alternative assignments if needed.

Texts read in this class:

Djebar, Assia. Fantasia, An Algerian Novel.

Thùy, Kim. Ru.

Selected Readings from other works:

Haddad, Malek. La Dernière Impression (for a class in French)

Schwartz-Bart, Simone. The Bridge Beyond.

Ben Jelloun, Tahar. About my Mother. 

Abani, Chris. Song for Night.

Khatibi. Amour bilingue (if French-speaking class).

Selected Critical Literature :