Samuel Beckett and Trauma

Samuel Beckett and trauma, the collection of eight essays by leading academics, broadens and enriches the present fields of both trauma studies and Beckett studies by illuminating the uniqueness of the trauma in Beckett’s work in relation to historical contexts. It also provides new perspectives for discussing trauma and literature more generally. -- .

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Samuel Beckett and trauma is the first book that specifically addresses the question of trauma in Beckett, taking into account the recent rise of trauma studies in literature. Beckett is an author whose works are strongly related to the psychological and historical trauma of our age. His works not only explore the multifarious aspects of trauma but also radically challenge our conception of trauma itself by the unique syntax of language, aesthetics of fragmentation, bodily malfunctions and the creation of void. Instead of simply applying current trauma theories to Beckett, this book provides new perspectives that will expand and alter them by employing other theoretical frameworks in literature, theatre, art, philosophy and psychoanalysis. It will inspire anybody interested in literature and trauma, including specialists and students working on twentieth-century world literature, comparative studies, trauma studies and theatre /art. -- .