From Trauma To Triumph: Achieving Emancipation Through Art In Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak

  • K. Merlin Gifta
  • Dr. M. Madhavan
Keywords: Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), art therapy, rape, recovery, healing

Abstract

Memory is one of the most fascinating and agonizing parts of the human mind. It can give oneself content memories as well as the most excruciating memories. Memories associated with a traumatic past can kill the person slowly with distorted memories of flashbacks of the traumatic event which has the power to torment the person’s life. However, recovery is possible for the victim through effective coping strategies. Laurie Halse Anderson’s widely acclaimed novel Speak offers a vivid depiction of the unspoken trauma of 14-year-old rape victim, Melinda Sordino and her victimization. The work not only focuses on Melinda’s psychological trauma but also focuses on her journey toward recovery. The purpose of the study is to explore the impacts of trauma and discover how art therapy can benefit in healing the traumatic pain experienced by victims in the aftermath of trauma.

Author Biographies

K. Merlin Gifta

Ph. D Research Scholar (Full time), Department of English, Annamalai University.

Dr. M. Madhavan

Assistant Professor of English, Annamalai University.

References

1. Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Square Fish, 2011.
2. Alsup, Janet. “Politicizing Young Adult Literature: Reading Anderson’s ‘Speak’ as a Critical Text.” Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, vol. 47, no. 2, 2003, pp 158-166.
3. Hargrave-Nykaza, Karen. “An Application of Art Therapy to the Trauma of Rape.” Art Therapy, vol. 11, no. 1, 1994, pp. 53-57.
4. Herman, Judith L. Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Hachette UK, 2015.
5. O’ Quinn, Elaine J. “Between Voice and Voicelessness: Transacting Silence in Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak”. The Alan Review, vol 29, no.1, 2001.
6. Roberts, Cheryl A. Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Guide for Families, 2d ed. McFarland, 2014.
7. Rubin, Judith A. Introduction to Art Therapy: Sources & Resources. Taylor & Francis, 2009.
Published
2024-01-13
How to Cite
K. Merlin Gifta, & Dr. M. Madhavan. (2024). From Trauma To Triumph: Achieving Emancipation Through Art In Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. Revista Electronica De Veterinaria, 25(1S), 845-848. https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i1S.897