Trauma and Resistance in the Novel “Perempuan yang Menangis kepada Bulan Hitam” by Dian Purnomo

Abstract

Trauma and resistance are two themes that are often interrelated in literary works, especially in novels. Trauma, as a deep and painful psychological experience, is often the starting point for internal and external conflicts for characters in the story. Events that can cause this trauma usually include natural disasters, war, various forms of physical and emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, oppression, or household dysfunction experienced throughout a person's life (Teicher, Gordon, & Nemeroff, 2022). In the context of trauma, resistance appears as a survival mechanism, where the body tries to adapt and manage the traumatic impact so that it can continue to function normally. This study aims to explore the form of trauma and resistance in the novel Perempuan yang Menangis kepada Bulan Hitam”by Dian Purnomo using a review of literary psychology and resistance theory. This study is a qualitative study that applies a descriptive analytical design by collecting data related to the form of trauma and resistance contained in the novel. The data were analyzed using the lens of Cathy Caruth's (1996) literary psychology and James C. Scott's (2000) resistance theory. The results of the study revealed that trauma and resistance are interrelated in literary works, functioning as a reflection of individual or group experiences of painful events and their efforts to fight all forms of oppression. The novel Perempuan yang Menangis kepada Bulan Hitam describes cultural trauma, physical trauma, post-cult trauma, and  psychological trauma. In addition, there are two forms of resistance identified, namely open resistance and closed resistance.