Iraq's Transhistorical and National collective Trauma: Unveiling the Overwhelming History in "The Corpse Washer" by Sinan Antoon

Abstract

This research explores the intersection of Iraq's transhistorical trauma and its literary heritage following the 2003 invasion. It examines the impact of war on Iraqi society and the prevalent theme of war in Iraqi literature. It marked a turning point for Iraqi writers, allowing freedom of expression through opulent texts that established the foundations of the Iraqi postcolonial narrative. The collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime brought hope and opportunities, leading to the emergence of publishing firms and online platforms for open expression. The postcolonial novel authentically portrayed the invasion's actions and the country's political, economic, and social collapse. Authors aim to confront societal fractures and expose wounds, appreciating the divine amidst the turmoil. Examining Sinan Antoon's novel "The Corpse Washer", we delve into the trauma experienced by Iraqis due to prolonged conflicts. Antoon skillfully tackles the transhistorical horror of war and its lasting impact, embodying the cathartic consequences of pity and terror. The novel goes beyond historiographic metafiction, utilizing elements of modernism and postmodernism to portray Iraq's historical trauma through narrative techniques like memories, reflection, foreshadowing, and flashbacks. This research aims to deepen our understanding of Iraq's transhistorical trauma and its representation in post-2003 Iraqi novels. It sheds light on literature's power to challenge dominant narratives and give voice to silenced experiences. Exploring the intersection of historiographic metafiction and trauma fiction reveals how these narratives shape our understanding of the past and present. The study emphasizes the significance of bearing witness to Iraq's traumatic past, the complexities of memory in collective trauma's aftermath, and the lasting consequences of war trauma as depicted in "The Corpse Washer".