- Summary
- "Contrary to the view of trauma popularized by literary theorists, Trauma and Forgiveness argues that the traumatized are capable of representing their experience and that we should therefore listen more and theorize less. Using stories and case studies, including testimonies from Holocaust survivors, as well as the victims of 'ordinary' trauma, C. Fred Alford shows that while the traumatized are generally capable of representing their experience, this does little to heal them. He draws on the British Object Relations tradition in psychoanalysis to argue that forgiveness, which might be expected to help heal the traumatized, is generally an attempt to avoid the hard work of mourning losses which can never be made whole. Forgiveness is better seen as a virtue in the classical sense, a recognition of human vulnerability. The book concludes with an extended case study of Austrian essayist Jean Ame;ry and his refusal to forgive"-- Provided by publisher.
- Format
- Book
- Author/Creator
- Alford, C. Fred.
- Published
- Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2013
- Contents
-
Introduction: trauma and forgiveness
Is the Holocaust traumatic?
Winnicott and trauma
Melanie Klein and forgiveness: theory
Melanie Klein and forgiveness: practice
Winnicott: forgiveness and transitional experience
Jean Amery: resentment, loneliness, and aging
Conclusion: trauma as knowledge.
- Notes
-
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Introduction: trauma and forgiveness -- Is the Holocaust traumatic? -- Winnicott and trauma -- Melanie Klein and forgiveness: theory -- Melanie Klein and forgiveness: practice -- Winnicott: forgiveness and transitional experience -- Jean Amery: resentment, loneliness, and aging -- Conclusion: trauma as knowledge.
