The Weight of Displacement
Amal’s Journey Through Trauma and Motherhood in Susan Abulhawa’s Mornings in Jenin
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70042/eroth/09020005Keywords:
exile, displacement, motherhood, palestinian identity, resistance, traumaAbstract
When discussing Palestine, one cannot overlook the profound realities of displacement, exile, and the struggle to preserve identity. Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of this struggle, encapsulating what it means to be Palestinian. The novel explores the intergenerational effects of displacement, where each character’s experiences shift across generations yet remain rooted in shared pain and hope. This paper explores the life of Amal, focusing on her journey after the Nakba, the devastating expulsion of Palestinians in 1948 and how this trauma shapes her identity as a displaced individual. Amal’s role as a mother in exile highlights the ongoing struggles of Palestinian women, who carry a broken past while trying to create stability. The study also examines how Israeli operations impact individual and collective Palestinian experiences. Through Amal’s story, Mornings in Jenin becomes a powerful reflection of resistance and the enduring struggle to maintain identity.
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