National Trauma in Postdictatorship Latin American Literature: Chile and Argentina examines the
traumatic experiences of Chile and Argentina under authoritarian regimes and argues that in
order for postdictatorship countries to successfully implement transitions to democracy they
must confront the past. This book employs the research of psychologists Bessel van der Kolk
Judith Herman Donald Dutton Elizabeth Loftus and Cathy Caruth in order to better understand
the emotional and psychological effects of national trauma in the works of Chileans Diamela
Eltit and Ariel Dorfman and Argentines Ricardo Piglia and Griselda Gambaro. The themes and
characters transcend national boundaries - the abuse torture paranoia anguish and shame are
common to all human beings oppressed by tyranny. The inclusion of theater is necessary in
global times for the art of drama has the power to ignite a repressed consciousness to emerge
and contribute to progress and change. National Trauma in Postdictatorship Latin American
Literature: Chile and Argentina proceeds with the reality that it is possible to heal from past
trauma and become - once again - dignified citizens of the world.
