The Intersection of Memory and Trauma in Post-War Fiction

Abstract

Post-war fiction is often a medium through which the lasting effects of war are explored and expressed. The intersection of memory and trauma in post-war fiction reveals how personal and collective experiences of conflict shape identities and the narrative form itself. This paper examines how memory and trauma manifest in post-war literary works, focusing on the representation of both individual and collective suffering in the aftermath of war. By analyzing key examples from authors such as Erich Maria Remarque, Tim O'Brien, and Toni Morrison, the paper highlights how these works address the deep psychological and emotional scars left by war, and how memory plays a critical role in both the healing and perpetuation of trauma. In doing so, it demonstrates how post-war fiction provides a vital space for understanding the complexities of human resilience and suffering in the wake