Memory, postmemory, and beyond : tracing trans-generational trauma in the literary works of Saroyan, Balakian, and Bohjalian

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the reception of the first genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian genocide, over a trans-generational scope through the literary works of first and third generation Armenian-American writers. It highlights the initial reaction to the genocide through the works of William Saroyan that is mainly preoccupied with the concepts of diaspora and assimilation and is thus unable to completely process the trauma of the genocide because of its immediacy. This thesis then moves on to third generation writer, Peter Balakian’s literary work, in order to emphasize the generational difference in the reception of the Armenian genocide. Building on Marianne Hirsch’s theory of Postmemory, the thesis delves into an in-depth analysis of Balakian’s poetry through the use of acclaimed theories that are mostly applied on studies of Holocaust and other national literature. Elements of Magical Realism, imagery of food, fragmentation, trauma, imagination, and exilic connotations are traced in Balakian’s poetry in order to display how postmemorial genocide consciousness is evoked in his literature. Furthermore, a link is drawn between Balakian’s transhistorical trauma as expressed through Postmemory and his immediate trauma in light of the tragedy of September 11. Moving beyond Postmemory, the thesis sheds light on the cathartic role narrative fiction plays in Chris Bohjalian’s novel. Finally, it paves the way for further analysis of fourth generation Armenian-American literature and genocidal trauma reception, inquiring if the notion of Post Postmemory is imminent.