TRANSGENERATIONAL EPIGENETIC TRAUMA IN MORRISON’S BELOVED: A PSYCHOLOGICAL-EPIGENETIC READING

Abstract

This research examines Toni Morrison’s Beloved through the psychological framework proposed in Mark Wolynn’s book It Didn’t Start with You, which focuses on transgenerational epigenetic trauma. Morrison’s novel, depicting the damages of slavery and transgenerational trauma, provides a fertile ground for psychological analysis. By employing Wolynn’s notion of transgenerational epigenetic trauma, the current study explores how Morrison’s narrative extends beyond the literary domain to probe the human experience of trauma. The study argues that Beloved not only reflects the damages of slavery, the violation and dehumanization faced by Blacks, but also embodies the idea of transgenerational epigenetic trauma, the idea that traumatic experiences get transferred to future generations as well. Through qualitative textual analysis, this study highlights how Morrison's depiction of inherited fear, isolation, and identity crisis aligns with Wolynn’s emphasis on trauma as an epigenetically inherited factor that is transferred across generations. By intertwining literary fiction with transgenerational epigenetic trauma, Morrison transcends the boundaries of traditional American fiction, inviting readers to engage with the deeper psychological implications of epigenetically inherited trauma. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of how literature can illustrate and expand psychological concepts, particularly at the intersection of epigenetics and trauma studies.