Mourning in selected contemporary amharic novel: A meta-psychological perspective

Abstract

This research delves into the poignant realm of mourning within the Amharic novel "Yäqənat Zār" ("Zār of Jealousy"). Using a psychoanalytic lens, it explores how characters grapple with loss and how grief shapes their lives. By drawing upon diverse theories of mourning, melancholia, grief, and attachment, the study sheds light on the causes and complex emotional consequences of loss. Characters in "Yäqənat Zār" become poignant canvases for depicting mourning. Their shifting behaviors, marked by self-blame, death wishes, and a sense of paralysis, paint a vivid picture of internal turmoil. This research unveils the underlying triggers of such profound grief, often rooted in melancholia born from sudden losses of loved ones and perceived mistakes in relationships. The study illuminates the devastating potential of unprocessed grief, demonstrating how it can lead to acts of self-destruction and even death. This exploration paves the way for further investigations into the multifaceted concept of grieving within Amharic literature. The call for research using diverse theoretical frameworks and venturing beyond "Yäqənat Zār" to encompass other literary genres promises to enrich our understanding of this universal human experience within the unique context of Amharic literature.