Sanjeeda Bano Shaikh Dadamiya
S. S. M. M. Arts Science & Commerce College, Pachora, Dist. Jalgaon
E-Mail: ssanjeeda160@gmail.com
Abstract:
Trauma, particularly as experienced by women in patriarchal societies, is a recurring theme in literature that offers profound insights into the intersections of gender, psychology, and cultural norms. In patriarchal frameworks, women often carry the burden of societal expectations and personal sacrifices, leading to unresolved psychological wounds that manifest in their relationships and choices. Marjan Kamali’s ‘The Stationery Shop of Tehran’ provides a poignant exploration of these themes, particularly through the character of Badri,whose unresolved trauma, experiences of betrayal and repression shape the trajectory of the story. Rather than positioning Badri merely as an antagonist, the paper re-reads her as a deeply wounded woman.Her unresolved trauma and internalized fears not only define her identity but also disrupt the lives of those around her, particularly her son, Bahman, and his beloved, Roya.
This study employs feminist trauma theory and post-traumatic stress disorderPTSD theory to analyse the psychological and social dimensions of Badri’s character. By applying Feminist trauma theory underscores the role of systemic patriarchy in shaping Badri’s trauma, revealing how her unfulfilled desires and societal pressures contribute to her controlling and fear-driven behaviours simultaneously PTSD theory provides additional insight into the psychological symptoms she exhibits, such as hypervigilance, emotional withdrawal, and the compulsive need to secure her son’s loyalty.
This interdisciplinary study contributes to the broader discourse on gender, trauma, and the interplay between personal and societal struggles, offering a deeper understanding of women lived experiences in literature.
Key words: Trauma, Feminist trauma theory, Repressed desires, PTSD.
Introduction:
A recurrent theme in literature for a long time is the complex tapestry of female trauma, woven through the strands of patriarchal oppression.Women’s experiences of oppression, abuse, and psychological misery have been poignantly documented from the boundaries of intimate areas to the broad expanse of societal systems.These experiences have been a common theme in literature;many authors use the storytelling medium to highlight the nuanced ways in which women navigate a society that seeks to constrain them. literature has provided a platform for examining the psychological and emotional impact of patriarchal oppression on women.Literary examinations of female trauma frequently delve into the connection of individual and societal experiences. Authors may shed light on the larger historical and social influences that influence women’s lives by delving into the lives of specific individuals.This intersectionality allows for a deep comprehension of the ways in which trauma is both a personal and a shared experience, rooted in the systemic injustices that women face.
The novelThe Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal constraints, with its characters shaped by the cultural and emotional forces of mid-20th century Iran. Among these, Badri emerges as a complex and tragic figure whose past trauma dictates her present actions, ultimately influencing the lives of those around her.The 14-year-old Badri came from a middle-class family; her father sold watermelons. Her life changed when a young man from anupper-class family named Ali Fakhri became captivated by her charm and beauty.Despite their differing social statuses, they began a secret relationship.However, Ali eventually bowed to familial and societal expectations, leaving Badri to marry a woman of his own class.Years later, Badri encountered Ali again, and he became aware of the devastating impact his betrayal had on her life. When he betrayed her Badri had been pregnant with Ali’s child.Alone and overwhelmed by shame,she tragically decided to end the pregnancy.The experience left her physically weak and emotionally scarred.
In the years that followed, Badri’s life was marked by loss. While she had other children, none survived, leaving her with only her son, Bahman.She developed a strong bond with Bahman and was overcome with fear of losing him.When Bahman fell in love with Roya, Badri perceived Roya as a threat to their bond.Determined to keep her son close, Badri threatened Mr. Fakhri with suicide, coercing him into separating Bahman and Roya. Her relentless efforts ultimately succeeded, driving a wedge between the couple.
According to the descriptions given above, the purpose of this paper applies Feminist Trauma Theory and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to analyse Badri’s psychological condition.Feminist Trauma Theory frames Badri’s experiences as a product of patriarchal oppression, exploring how societal norms magnify the impact of her betrayal and perpetuate cycles of harm. PTSD provides a lens to examine the long-term effects of her trauma, focusing on the psychological symptoms she exhibits, such as hypervigilance, emotional instability, and an obsessive fear of loss. By integrating these frameworks, this paper argues that Badri’s repression, shaped by patriarchal forces, drives her eventual emotional ruin, manifesting in destructive behaviours that ripple through her relationships.
Background to Study:
The word “trauma” originates from the Greek word “τραῦμα” (traûma), which means “wound.” This ancient Greek term was primarily used to refer to physical injuries. Now, has evolved to encompass not just physical injuries but also the profound psychological and emotional wounds inflicted by violence, abuse, and systemic oppression.
As the American Psychological Association (2024) defines it,
“Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster,physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more.”When shock, flashbacks, denial, and physical symptoms like headaches or nausea last for a long time after an event, it’s possible that the person is likely suffering from trauma.
While physical harm was the primary focus of the original trauma idea, feminist thinkers have broadened it to encompass the invisible wounds suffered by women and other oppressed groups.It acknowledges that trauma is influenced by power dynamics, cultural norms, and society systems rather than being an objective experience. Sexual violence, domestic abuse, and institutional oppression are among the specific types of trauma that women are particularly susceptible to. This idea emphasizes how these traumas can have enduring psychological and societal effects and are frequently based in patriarchal structures.
Trauma is not just an individual experience, but is also shaped by social and cultural factors.This means that women’s experiences of trauma are often compounded by gender-based discrimination and violence. According to Judith Herman-
“Trauma results from an event or events that overwhelm an individual’s capacity to cope, causing intense fear and helplessness.”Trauma results from experiences that are too overwhelming for a person to handle, leaving them feeling extremely scared and powerless. These incidents have shaped Badri’s behaviour and mentality throughout her life.
The relationship between Badri and Mr. Fakhri is a significant example of social and emotional treachery. As a young, lower-class lady, she puts her trust in him, but when social pressures force him to put his family’s expectations ahead of their relationship, she is dumped. This incident makes her feel incredibly powerless, she is abandoned at a vulnerable moment in her life, bearing the burden of pregnancy and societal shame alone.The stigma of being an unwed, lower-class mother in a patriarchal society instils a fear of judgment, ostracization, and survival.The deaths of most of Badri’s children deepen her sense of helplessness, compounding her grief and fear of loss This un resolved trauma becomes a foundational wound that influences her later actions.
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
After witnessing or experiencing anything disagreeable, frightening, upsetting, or painful, a person may acquire post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a psychological condition that develops following exposure to traumatic events. Symptoms include intrusive memories, hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, and distorted perceptions of relationships.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Reliving the horrific experience repeatedly through intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks
- Feeling tense all the time, and being easily startled.
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such as people, places, or activities.
- Negative mood and thoughts, thinking negatively about oneself and the world.
- Self-destructive behaviour, such as drinking too much or to threaten suicide.
- severe physical or emotional reactions to something that brings up a traumatic experience.
The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Suffered by Badri:
Badri’s reactions was a result of her suffering of post-traumatic stress disorder. After being betrayed by Mr. Fakhir, she herself killed her baby and after that witnessing the death of most of her babies made her physically and emotionally weak.Badri’s exposure to a traumatic experienceis what caused the negative effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on her mental health, which in turn affects her psychological disorders.
Avoidance:
Avoidance of Emotional Confrontation,she developed a strong bond with her only surviving son Bahman and was overcome with fear of losing him. She justifies her decisions as protective rather than admitting they were driven by fear or insecurity.As it is seen in the text-“If Bahman marries that girl, I’ll lose him, I know. Roya won’t be like Shahla. She won’t let me stay close to him. As if losing the others wasn’t enough.”( p.271)
Behavioural Impact:
Badri’s efforts to keep Bahman and Roya apart, including forcing Mr. Fakhri to do so, reveal her desperate attempt to keep control in a world in which she feels helpless.Her threat of suicide is a manifestation of trauma that overwhelms her rational decision-making.The fear of losing Bahman, the last remaining connection to her identity as amother, leads her to extreme measures.Badri remains trapped in her unresolved guilt and emotional pain, leaving her isolated and unable to find peace.She sucked in her breath and held her hand to her neck. “Just let her go, Bahman. For me. You communicate with her and I will do it again.”(p.279)
Impact on Relationships:
Badri has a profound and damaging impact on her relationships, particularly with her son, Bahman. Her unresolved trauma compels her to be overbearing and controlling, creating a strained dynamic between them. Badri’s inability to trust others or relinquish control leads her to manipulate Bahman’s life, especially regarding his relationship with Roya, which she views as a threat to her authority and the family’s stability.In sabotaging Bahman’s happiness, Badri not only harms their bond but also perpetuates a cycle of pain and estrangement, illustrating the ripple effects of trauma on familial relationships. Her control which she sees as protective caused tension in her relationship with Bahman, pushing him further away emotionally.
“I wanted my mother to be normal, to be like other mothers. I wanted her to care for and support me, and I wanted her to be at our wedding and to let us live our lives. I wanted that more than anything else. But she was not like other mothers. She was herself. She had the rage, she had the depression, she was violent, she was cruel, she refused to let me live in peace. She wanted to control my life, she told me she loved me so much that she wanted the best for me.”(p.280)
Long term effect:
Badri is trapped in a state of inner turmoil because she is unable to deal with the consequences from her acts or manage her pain.This emotional burden prevents her from experiencing peace or moving forward in her life.She was unable to overcome her trauma or the betrayal by Mr. Fakhri. Her past constantly held her back, preventing her from moving forward in life.Instead of healing from this she kept weakening herself further and constantly worried about enduring more losses in the future.
“You thought you could do whatever you wanted to me, Ali. Behind the mosque. In that square. You got away with everything. You had the money, the privilege. I had nothing.” She wept into her hands. “I was a child!”(p.276)
This act underscores the long-term effects of trauma, her cry of “I was a child!”emphasizes the deep violation of innocence and trust, leaving her emotionally damaged and unableto heal from the scars of her youth, her past experiences leave her unable to process her emotions constructively, perpetuating harm instead.
Conclusion:
The story of Badri in The Stationery Shop of Tehran is a compelling illustration of how systemic injustice and individual trauma interact.Marjan Kamali portrays the devastating effects of patriarchal norms, which not only amplify individual suffering but also perpetuate cycles of harm across generations.Deep emotional wounds from Badri’s betrayal and the demands society places on women’s obedience and purity cause her to act in ways that are driven by control, fear, and an obsession with keeping her son Bahman safe.
By applying Feminist Trauma Theory, this paper has illuminated how Badri’s trauma is deeply gendered, rooted in the cultural and social structures of her time. Her pain is not simply a result of personal misfortune but is exacerbated by systemic inequalities that devalue women’s agency and prioritize appearances over emotional well-being. We have also examined the psychological effects of her unresolved trauma, such as her hypervigilance, emotional instability, and toxic relationships, through the perspective of PTSD.
Together, these frameworks reveal Badri as a complex and tragic figure whose actions, while harmful, are deeply human and shaped by her circumstances. Rather than viewing her merely as an antagonist, this dual analysis positions her as a victim of both personal betrayal and societal oppression.
Ultimately, Badri’s character serves as a reminder of the profound effects of trauma, especially in cultures where women’s lives and choices are restricted by patriarchal structures.Her story underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing both individual and systemic trauma to break the cycles of harm and create a more equitable and compassionate world.
References:
- Kamali, Marjan. The Stationary Shop of Tehran. Simon & Schuster, 2021.
- American Psychological Association. (2024). Trauma. Retrieved from, https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
- Herman, Judith Louis. Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books, 1992, p. 33.
- Caruth, Cathy. Unclaimed Experience: Trauma, Narrative, and History. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, p. 3.
- LeDoux, Joseph E. The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life. Simon & Schuster, 1996.
- Butler, Judith. The Psychic Life of Power: Theories in Subjection. Stanford University Press, 1997.
International Journal of Research (IJR) 