This paper surveys a comparative analysis of Fariba Vafi's My Bird and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Lowland through the lens of Cathy Caruth's trauma concepts, namely belatedness, repetition, and representation. It examines how these novels vividly portray the profound emotional and psychological impact of trauma. In The Lowland, the character Gauri embodies the concept of belatedness, with the fragmented narrative structure effectively mirroring her haunting and delayed recollections. On the other hand, My Bird employs repetition as a form of protest, revealing the unconscious reenactment of traumatic experiences. The presence of silence and subtle forms of protest in both novels underscores the inherent contradictions within the realm of traumatic experiences. This analysis offers valuable insights into the enduring repercussions of trauma and how individuals navigate the complex terrain of their traumatic pasts. Understanding how trauma is intricately woven into the narrative fabric of these two novels enriches our comprehension of the enduring impact of such experiences on the human psyche. It sheds light on the diverse ways individuals cope with and make sense of their traumatic histories, emphasizing the importance of exploring these themes within the literary context.
