Displacement and Exilic Guilt: Exploring Psychological Trauma in Ghassan Kanafani's "Returning to Haifa"

Abstract

This study examines the intertwined relationship between guilt, trauma, loss, and displacement. It explores the psychological consequences of detaching from homeland, emphasizing that one’s home plays an important role in shaping one’s identity. The study also illustrates how suppressed emotions cause guilt and trauma when refugees are confronted with their familiar surroundings or homeland. The focus of the study is the mental struggles of Palestinian refugees resulting from prolonged exposure to war, violence, and displacement. The research is qualitative in nature and follows the narrative of Ghassan Kanafani, “Returning to Haifa.” Theoretical props include Trauma theory (Herman and Caruth), Guilt theory (Tangney) and Freud’s psychological ideas. The concept of complex trauma, deferred trauma, multi-layered guilt and the conflict between ego and superego are central to the analysis. This research offers a comprehensive understanding of the narrative and emotional struggles of Palestinian refugees, revealing that the trauma of exile is not just related to physical hardships but also emotional stress.

Conflict of interest:

The author has declared no potential conflicts of interest and falsification/fabrication of data with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.