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a peer-reviewed quarterly journal on literature
E-ISSN 2457-0265
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Erothanatos
Scholarly Article
Ranjeeta Acharya
Dr. Raf Raf Shakil Ansari
The Weight of Displacement: Amal’s Journey Through Trauma and Motherhood in Susan Abulhawa’s Mornings in Jenin
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages:
53-64
Keywords:
exile, displacement, motherhood, palestinian identity, resistance, trauma
doi:
Abstract
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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About the Author(s)
Ranjeeta is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in English Literature at Sharda University. Her research interests lie in resistance literature, with a particular focus on themes of identity, trauma, and displacement. She recently completed her dissertation on Susan Abulhawa’s Mornings in Jenin, exploring the intersection of trauma and political resistance in Palestinian narratives. Her work reflects a deep commitment to examining how literature becomes a space for marginalized voices and acts of defiance.
Dr. Raf Raf Shakil Ansari is a faculty member in the Department of English at Sharda University. Her research interests include resistance literature, postcolonial studies, and narratives of trauma and identity. She is particularly engaged with literary texts that explore political struggle, displacement, and the role of literature as a form of resistance. Through her academic work, she encourages critical engagement with voices from the margins and literature as a tool for social and political transformation.
