Abstract
Monique Roffey is a Trinidadian-born award winning writer who has produced a number of famous novels and a memoir. In her recent novel, Archipelago (2012), issues on redemption, loss of hope and healing were highlighted in the wake of a devastating natural disaster that swept across the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. Life was a complete change for the chief protagonist, Gavin Weald, as the catastrophic flood not only destroyed his home but also put great psychological strains which affected him and his family. In order to combat the distressing ordeal, Gavin and his daughter- alongside with their dog- decided to set sail and to make peace with the very ocean that caused the misfortune upon them. This research aims to validate the authenticity and importance nature plays in overcoming trauma that has been caused by the flood. In order to carry out this research, the concepts of ecological unconscious and dualism under the lenses of Eco-psychology by Theodore Roszak and Andy Fisher as well as trauma by Cathy Caruth will be employed in analysing how nature plays a pertinent role in healing trauma caused by the floods in this novel. This study aspires to explicate further the relationship between human and animals and how this union helps to overcome psychological disturbances experienced by the characters.
Highlights
Natural Disasters and TraumaNatural disasters have brought about calamitous effects on the psychological well-being of millions every year
In order to carry out this research, the concepts of ecological unconscious and dualism under the lenses of Eco-psychology by Theodore Roszak and Andy Fisher as well as trauma by Cathy Caruth will be employed in analysing how nature plays a pertinent role in healing trauma caused by the floods in this novel
Archipelago is a novel of trauma and recovery as a result of a flood that affected the lives of the protagonists; Gavin, Lucy and their family
Summary
Natural Disasters and TraumaNatural disasters have brought about calamitous effects on the psychological well-being of millions every year. Sun Dog was written in 2002 followed by The White Woman on the Green Bicyle in 2009 which was shortlisted for the 2010 Orange Prize and the 2011 Encore Award Her subsequent work was a memoir, With the Kisses of his Mouth, was written in 2011 which invited both criticism and positive appraisals as it was a personal account of Monique’s mid-life pursuit for sexual freedom and self-identity. Traumatic exposure was apparent from the very beginning of the novel as both, Gavin and his daughter, could not come to terms in regards to the misfortune that just hit them They decided to run away from reality by choosing to sail into the Galapagos hoping that they could make peace with the very waters that caused the whole chaos upon them months before. Through their various encounters along the expedition, Monique was able to show how the characters in the novel were able to negotiate their trauma
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