Climate, Trauma, and Resilience: A Comparative Exploration of Omar El Akkad and Richard Powers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1511.28Keywords:
climate change, resilience, trauma, literature, psychologyAbstract
A fascinating convergence of climate change, trauma, and resilience emerges in contemporary literature. This convergence is particularly vital for gaining a clearer understanding of the climate crisis and its emotional and psychological impact on people in the modern world. In their novels, Richard Powers and Omar El Akkad explore how environmental deterioration affects individuals' mental and emotional well-being, examining feelings of sadness, trauma, and displacement. These contemporary writers effectively portray the impact of climate change and its subsequent effects on identity and culture in an insightful and compelling manner. The Overstory by Powers and American War by Akkad highlight the significant value of literary analysis in understanding and addressing the global phenomenon of climate change. Their novels explore the complex emotions and psychological responses evoked by climate change, which may contribute to mental health challenges if not addressed. This paper employs qualitative method which includes close reading and textual analysis examine how climate change is addressed and its impact on culture and literature. Additionally, the paper emphasizes how literature can foster empathy and resilience. It aims to shed light on the profound effect this issue has on people's emotions and mental well-being.
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