Exploring Perpetrator Trauma and Healing in Athol Fugard's The Train Driver

Abstract

Several theoretical frameworks have been developed to comprehend perpetrator’s trauma. However, this investigation prioritizes exploring this kind of trauma as a means of unraveling a more comprehensive understanding of their encounter with conflict. The study argues that the presence of trauma in perpetrators challenges the commonly held notion of them being monstrous creatures and instead highlights their innate humanity. The objective is not to elicit sympathy, but to acknowledge that perpetrators are individuals who might have been pushed into extreme situations. The study reveals the hardships and barriers that perpetrators face as a direct result of their actions. Athol Fugard's play is a noteworthy attempt to articulate the traumatic experience, as well as the wider trauma of a white African male protagonist who has suffered extensively due to the train accident and its aftermath. In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, the present research endeavors to examine the concept of play in the context of trauma studies' theoretical framework. This endeavor commences by examining McGlothlin's fundamental concepts and subsequently progresses towards analyzing the pivotal contributions made by Cathy Carruth , while Judith Herman's perspective is considered in relation to the healing process within this field.