COLLECTIVE TRAUMA OF COLONIALISM IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN SHORT STORIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
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This study examines the representation of collective trauma caused by colonialism in Southeast Asian short stories, arguing that although formal colonial rule has ended, its sociocultural and psychological wounds persist, hindering regional cohesion and sustainable development. This study employ Kai Erikson's concept of collective trauma, postcolonial theory, and Claudio Guillén's theory of comparative literature to analyze four primary texts: "Recuerdos de Patay" by Caroline S. Hau (Philippines), "Variola" by Iksaka Banu (Indonesia), "Victoria and Her Kimono" by M. Shanmughalingam (Malaysia), and "The Interview" by Gopal Baratham (Singapore). Using systematic content analysis with context-based inference, the research reveals several dimensions of postcolonial collective trauma portrayed in these narratives, including social disintegration, psychological dislocation, the erosion of communal bonds, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. The findings suggest that literature serves as both a witness to historical wounds and a crucial cultural space for negotiating memory, identity, and healing. Ultimately, this research posits that in the Southeast Asian context, social healing is integral to shaping regional identity through a deeper understanding of literature and culture.
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