National Models of the Traumatic Memory Concept: Soviet Dictatorship from the Viewpoint of two Georgian Women-Authors

Abstract

This article explores the concept of collective trauma in Georgian literature, particularly through the works of Nino Kharatishvili and Zaira Arsenishvili. While existing literature has widely studied trauma in the context of the Holocaust and post-war American soldiers, there is a knowledge gap in understanding Soviet oppression’s impact on Georgian society. Using a qualitative analysis of these novels, the research highlights how female narratives encapsulate Soviet-era trauma, emphasizing the repression, identity struggles, and moral degradation faced by Georgians under the dictatorship. Findings suggest that these works serve as a form of historical reclamation and resistance, providing a framework for understanding the broader cultural impacts of Soviet oppression. The results underscore the importance of literature in preserving national memory and fostering resilience in post-colonial societies. These implications contribute to the broader field of trauma studies and post-colonial literature.