NAVIGATING LACANIAN LACK: THE ENCOUNTER OF TRAUMA IN HIROKO TANAKA’S CHARACTER

Abstract

This study, specifically, examines trauma in Kamila Shamsie’s Burnt Shadows through the lens of Lacanian lack, a psychoanalytic theory. Moreover, using a qualitative approach, the study conducts an in-depth analysis of the novel, supported by secondary sources on Lacanian theory and literary criticism. The research seeks to explore how traumatic experiences shape and transform the character of Tanaka due to Lacanian lack. In addition, focusing on trauma helps to sort out and interpret Tanaka’s lack and her response to Lacanian Real, Symbolic, and Imaginary orders. The findings, ultimately, reveal significant experiences of the impact of trauma on identity formation, trauma as a driving force in Tanaka’s decisions, disruption of the Lacanian Real by trauma, societal perception and alienation among the characters and also highlighting the fluid and constantly evolving nature of trauma. Furthermore, Burnt Shadows offers a compelling exploration of trauma, with Lacanian theory providing valuable insights into the changing nature of traumatic events. Consequently, this study contributes to literary research by offering a psychoanalytic view of trauma in modern fiction, emphasizing the importance of Lacanian theory in literary analysis. Finally, future research could extend this analysis to other works by Shamsie or similar authors, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to further explore the themes of trauma in literature.