Altered State Of Consciousness As A Narrative Tool İn Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island

Abstract

This article delves into Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island(2003) and its challenge to the conventional notion of a unified humanist self, proposing instead that the post-war self is inherently fragmented. It particularly scrutinizes this fragmentation through the experiences of a traumatized character in the novel, illustrating how severe wartime and post-war events disrupt and fracture individuals. Furthermore, it examines the role of storytelling and narration as essential tools for trauma survivors to navigate and reconcile the shattered aspects of their identities. Through storytelling, the protagonist Teddy discovers a means of survival by articulating his experiences and memories. The paper emphasizes how trauma directly leads to the fragmentation of the human psyche and explores how narrative serves as a medium for the protagonist to confront his trauma. Through Teddy’s narrative, the novel provides insights into the complexities of the post-war self, the lasting wounds of trauma, and the potential for storytelling to assist in coping with trauma, offering a deeper understanding of the fragmented self in the aftermath of war.