Senior Seminar in Literature
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: Analyzing the Lives of Violet and Joe Trace within “Jazz”
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
English Literature
Minor
Gender and Diversity Studies/ Political Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Carrie Jerrell
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
What is post-traumatic slave syndrome? Dr. Joy Degruy best describes PTSS as multigenerational trauma experienced by a particular population that continues to experience institutionalized racism within their current society. This presentation aims to closely analyze how PTSS is portrayed within the novel Jazz by Toni Morrison. This will be accomplished by examining aspects such as mental health, the impact of social movements, and how communities form as a result. Jazz is a compelling work set in 1926 Harlem and explores the challenging lives of Joe and Violet Trace. In order to properly evaluate their relationship, this presentation will utilize academic sources such as peer-reviewed articles while taking into account historical and social context. Concepts such as possession as a form of love will also be explored to further assess the depths of ways that PTSS has impacted the characters day to day lives. By the end of this presentation, readers will be able to comprehend the complexities of PTSS as well as engage in the literary aspects of Morrison’s work.
Fall Scholars Week 2022 Event
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Other Scholars Week Event
Senior Seminar in Literature
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: Analyzing the Lives of Violet and Joe Trace within “Jazz”
What is post-traumatic slave syndrome? Dr. Joy Degruy best describes PTSS as multigenerational trauma experienced by a particular population that continues to experience institutionalized racism within their current society. This presentation aims to closely analyze how PTSS is portrayed within the novel Jazz by Toni Morrison. This will be accomplished by examining aspects such as mental health, the impact of social movements, and how communities form as a result. Jazz is a compelling work set in 1926 Harlem and explores the challenging lives of Joe and Violet Trace. In order to properly evaluate their relationship, this presentation will utilize academic sources such as peer-reviewed articles while taking into account historical and social context. Concepts such as possession as a form of love will also be explored to further assess the depths of ways that PTSS has impacted the characters day to day lives. By the end of this presentation, readers will be able to comprehend the complexities of PTSS as well as engage in the literary aspects of Morrison’s work.