Trauma Theme In Laurence Yep's Golden Mountain Chronicles

As a versatile contemporary Chinese-American writer,Laurence Yep has composed a great many works across diverse genres,comprising realistic novels,science fictions,folk stories etc.Golden Mountain Chronicles,one of his representatives,develops through the history of Yang's,a Hakka family once lived in Kwangtung and immigrated to U.S.for gold.Considering that most trauma studies focus on marginalized groups such as African-Americans and Chinese-Americans,who inevitably have suffered from considerable traumatic experiences,and therefore the application of trauma theory in psychoanalysis can offer us a new platform for investigating Yep's Golden Mountain Chronicles.Based on the previous trauma research on works of Chinese-American writers,especially the trauma theory of Cathy Caruth and Judith Herman,this thesis attempts to present the traumatic experiences in the novels as well as the causes and recovery processes.Through the analysis,the significance and value of such traumatic writing will be expounded.This thesis is made up of four chapters.Chapter One gives a brief introduction to the life experiences of Laurence Yep,some relevant studies on Golden Mountain Chronicles as well as trauma theory employed in the thesis.In addition,the research related to trauma studies of other Chinese-American writers will also be examined.The next chapter focuses on family disaster trauma caused by the dumping of opium in Dragons of Silk.The author believes that these traumas not only bring injury to the traumatized people but also force the protagonist to grow rapidly,which is presented in their emotional cognition and their family responsibility.It is known that Chinese always attach great importance to the integrity of a family,however in Yep's Golden Mountain Chronicles,families are not complete due to the absence of family members for a variety of reasons.Therefore,it is necessary to explore traumas in family disaster.Chapter Three is the most important part of this thesis.The 19^th and the 20^th century had witnessed several important events,such as the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882,the Rock Springs Massacre in 1885 and the Great Depression in 1930s.Taking this period as the background,this chapter primarily clarifies the traumas caused by racial discrimination,the reasons behind these traumas as well as how Chinese-Americans go through these traumatic events.Though in reality racial discrimination at that time has caused great traumas to Chinese immigrants in America,the thesis considers that the traumas have been cured and relieved under Yep's penmanship,demonstrating his attempt to create a culture fusion space without boundary.Furthermore,the analysis not only reveals the discrimination against the protagonists but also all Chinese-Americans,which reminds we Chinese that it is also of great significance to improve the stereotypes of Chinese people in America and promote the dissemination of Chinese culture abroad.The final chapter is the summary and findings of this thesis.The research finds that despite the traumatic experiences of these protagonists,the traumas,whether from family disaster or racial discrimination,will be eventually healed with the assistance of family members,friends as well as the influence of traditional Chinese culture.To sum up,for one thing,the speaking of trauma from descendants to descendants indicates the intergenerational transmission of trauma,which also reflects the repetitive feature of trauma;for another thing,the recovery processes of the traumas also demonstrate that as a third generation of Chinese-American,Yep discloses his appreciation of Chinese culture:no matter what kind of traumatic events the traumatized undergone,it will always be cured with the help of their family and friends.