Decolonized Trauma and Narratology in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MA student, Department of English Language and Literatures, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism,, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran(Corresponding Author)

10.22077/islah.2026.10173.1756

Abstract

The theory of decolonized trauma deviates from the western definition of trauma, which is based on occurrence and non-representation. In this regard, this article aims to address how trauma is represented in the novel The Lowland of the American-Indian author, Jhumpa Lahiri, by focusing on some narratological concepts such as order, frequency, delay and state as theorized by the narratologist Gerard Genette. These features are used in this research in order to demonstrate how the three impasses of classical trauma studies (representation, repetition, and belatedness) are refused and how the main characters Gauri and Subhash’s painful experiences and memories are discovered under diasporic circumstances. Also, they recount their terrible recollections with an honest description of their experiences as individuals who have been able to overcome the negative impacts of traumatic memories. The results also illustrate that Lahiri uses various flashbacks, repetition of events, and a diversity of views to underline the trauma’s influence on the characters’ day-to-day lives as well as its being narrated as a non-sudden occurrence. Furthermore, the study points out how the idea of double focalization gives immigrant characters a strong platform from which to discuss their painful experiences, which in turn will help reestablish a new community.

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 26 May 2026

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