Fragmented Voices and Sonic Resistance: Trauma, Memory, and the Politics of Healing in Toni Morrison’s Beloved
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1512.10Keywords:
embodied memory, neo-slave narrative, sonic resistance, temporal entanglement, traumaAbstract
Toni Morrison’s Beloved explores the enduring impact of slavery on African American identity, memory, and community. This paper examines Morrison’s narrative techniques, including fragmented voices, sonic elements, and nonlinear time, to represent trauma and embodied memory. Using interdisciplinary theory, it argues that Beloved transforms the discord of slavery into a powerful expression of resistance and healing. The novel’s fractured narration and repetition reflect the cyclical nature of trauma, while communal and spiritual spaces offer avenues for reclaiming identity and agency. Additionally, Morrison critiques white liberalism and systemic racism, revealing their ongoing role in racial oppression. Beloved stands as a testament to the resilience of those affected by slavery, highlighting literature’s capacity to confront historical trauma and envision pathways toward justice and community healing.
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