DefinePK

Abstract

This article unravels haunting memories and traumatic experiences in Dust Child through Caruth’s theoretical standpoints of trauma as delayed, repetitive and timeless. The research also takes into account how the traumatic memories of war continue to haunt the survivors long after the occurrence of war by appearing in the form of dreams and hallucinations, and what techniques the victims use to overcome war memories and fear. This research also focuses on the impacts of trauma on the next generation. Cathy Caruth argues that trauma is not experienced at the time of occurrence but appears later in the form of flashbacks and dreams. She discloses that trauma is based on belated understanding. This delayed period makes the trauma difficult to articulate. The haunting past and the flashbacks illustrate the impacts on the psyche of the characters in Qué Mai's novel Dust Child. The past experiences of Daniel, Kim, Phong and Quynh make them the victims of personal trauma. Their personal lives are disturbed by their past experiences. This study concludes that the concept of haunting past is present in the novel. All the characters of the novel Dust Child have a traumatic past and face the consequences of their past. Their trauma is related to the Vietnam War, and the war experiences leave lasting impacts on their lives.