Cognitive Empathy and Complex Traumatic Events in The Almond Tree: A Study of Cultural Trauma and Collective Identity

Abstract

Michelle Cohen Corasanti's work of fiction, The Almond Tree, is a heartbreaking work of cognitive empathy. This book shed light on the sociocultural trauma that has caused Palestinian cultures to be perceived as a danger to their fundamental collective identities. The depressing and terrifying circumstances faced by Palestinians create a lasting impression on readers' minds. The narrative bridges cultural gaps and fosters empathy by humanizing the characters on both sides of the conflict. The horrific situations facing Palestinians are depicted in the eerie account of events. The narrative of Ahmed Hamid, a Palestinian youngster who chose to venture all the way and against the tides, is the basis for The Almond Tree. Through Ahmed Hamid's relationships with Jewish characters, the novel emphasizes the shared humanity that transcends political and religious differences. This work of fiction has been analysed using the ideas of Cultural trauma and Collective identity. The concepts of Suzanne Keen, Jeffrey C. Alexander, Neil J. Smelser, Ron Eyerman, Suzanne Keen, and Piotr Sztompka have been used to analyse this text under debate utilising the theories of Cultural trauma and Collective identity. The researcher has attempted to investigate the tragic work of this fiction and narrative and cognitive empathy through the application of critical analysis technique.