Linking Legacies of Loss: Traumatic Histories and Cross-Cultural Empathy in Caryl Phillips’s Higher Ground and The Nature of Blood (original) (raw)

Examining the novels "Higher Ground" and "The Nature of Blood" by Caryl Phillips, this paper explores the interplay between traumatic histories and cross-cultural empathy. It critiques traditional trauma studies for often overlooking the experiences of marginalized groups, arguing instead for an integrative approach that links First-World traumas with colonial experiences. By analyzing how Phillips' characters navigate their traumas, the paper underscores the potential for these narratives to foster empathy and solidarity across cultural divides, ultimately advocating for a transnational memory culture as a means to prevent future violence.