Contrasting Trauma and Religion in Literature: Shakespeare and Walker

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Updated: Dec 05, 2024
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Category:Alice Walker
Date added
2021/07/03
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Introduction

These two works, though vastly different in origin, genre, and context, offer a rich tapestry of themes that are worth examining. Specifically, I am interested in how the characters in each narrative handle trauma and how their respective religious contexts influence their coping mechanisms. This comparison not only highlights the diverse narrative strategies used by Shakespeare and Walker but also sheds light on the evolving role of religion in dealing with trauma across different historical periods and cultural settings.

Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus

Written in the late 1500s, Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus is a product of its time, reflecting the turbulent religious and political landscape of Elizabethan England.

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During this period, revenge plays gained popularity against the backdrop of Protestant reformers and state authorities condemning private vengeance while attempting to centralize the legal system (Willis, 2002, p. 23-24). The play portrays a society caught in a cycle of violence and retribution, where characters like Titus see revenge as a sacred duty, ostensibly sanctioned by the gods (Broude, 1979, p. 503). This setting allows Shakespeare to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of justice in a world where divine and state authorities often fail to provide resolution.

The narrative of Titus Andronicus is steeped in grotesque violence and classical references, offering a commentary on the inadequacies of the newly emerging state-centered justice system (Bhar, 2017, p. 242). The play's pagan setting further emphasizes the stark contrast between non-Christian and Christian forms of vengeance (Broude, 1979, p. 495). Shakespeare presents a world where the cycle of blood revenge perpetuates itself, as seen in the sacrifice of Alarbus and the subsequent brutalities that follow. This relentless pursuit of vengeance not only highlights the futility of such actions but also questions the very nature of justice and morality.

Walker's The Color Purple

In contrast, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, published in 1982, presents a narrative centered on the personal and spiritual growth of its protagonist, Celie. Set in the early to mid-20th century, the novel delves into the complexities of race, gender, and religion in the American South. Celie's journey from a life of abuse and silence to empowerment and self-discovery is intricately tied to her evolving understanding of God and spirituality. Walker redefines traditional notions of God, moving away from a patriarchal image towards a more inclusive and personal divine presence (Thyreen, 1999, p. 50).

Celie's trauma is deeply rooted in her experiences as a black woman in a patriarchal society. Her initial understanding of God as a distant, male figure mirrors the oppression she faces, complicating her ability to find solace in religion. However, as the narrative progresses, Celie begins to reclaim her spirituality, guided by the character Shug, who encourages her to see God in everything around her (The Color Purple, p. 195). This shift in perspective allows Celie to find strength and healing, illustrating a transformative journey that contrasts sharply with the more static and destructive cycles of revenge in Titus Andronicus.

Comparative Analysis

The differing portrayals of trauma and religion in these works highlight the evolving role of these themes in literature. In Titus Andronicus, trauma is externalized through acts of violence and vengeance, reflecting a societal inability to reconcile personal loss with a flawed justice system. The characters' reliance on revenge as a means of coping underscores the limitations of their worldview, where divine intervention is often absent or misinterpreted. In contrast, The Color Purple presents a more introspective approach, where personal empowerment and a redefined spirituality offer a path to healing. Celie's letters to God, initially a reflection of her isolation, become a means of reclaiming her voice and agency.

Moreover, the contrasting approaches to religion in these works underscore the nuanced ways in which faith can influence one's response to trauma. While Shakespeare's characters are often driven by a distorted sense of divine justice, Walker's narrative suggests that a more personal and inclusive understanding of spirituality can provide genuine solace and empowerment. This evolution in the depiction of religion not only reflects historical and cultural shifts but also offers a broader commentary on the human condition and the search for meaning in the face of suffering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the contrasting depictions of trauma and religion in Titus Andronicus and The Color Purple offer valuable insights into the diverse ways literature can address these complex themes. While Shakespeare's play reflects the limitations of a society caught in a cycle of revenge, Walker's novel presents a more hopeful narrative of personal and spiritual growth. Through these works, we gain a deeper understanding of the evolving role of religion and the myriad ways individuals can cope with trauma, ultimately highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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Contrasting Trauma and Religion in Literature: Shakespeare and Walker. (2021, Jul 03). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/william-shakespeare-titus-andronicus-vs-alice-walker-the-color-purple/