Gathering the Shattered Self: A Study of Characters to Uncover Personal Trauma in Anne Devlin's After Easter

Section: Research Paper
Published
Jun 1, 2025
Pages
1-14

Abstract

The Troubles is a period of political and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic of Ireland from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. Anne Devlin's significant play After Easter focuses on the lives of three sisters and takes place in the disturbing aftermath of Ireland's Troubles. The study clarifies the echoes of violence that spread across generations as people suffer the psychological scars left by political upheaval in their divided lives. The study delves into the aftermath of trauma to scrutinize the female perspective, frequently eclipsed by the prevailing male conflict narratives. Devlin's play serves as an effective counterpoint, revealing the fragmentation of identity, the breakdown of personal and familial bonds, and the strength necessary for healing in the aftermath of unspeakable turmoil, as depicted in the character of Greta. The paper provides a critical contribution to the expanding discourse on the gendered aspects of the Troubles by emphasizing the intricate relationship between political unrest and individual psychological well-being through the lens of the characters' journeys. Trauma theory provides a useful framework for analyzing After Easter by Anne Devlin, especially in light of its focus on the mental effects of political violence on both people and communities. Particularly within the framework of collective and historical trauma, this theoretical approach examines the effects of trauma on mental health, relationships, and identity.

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How to Cite

Hussein, D., & Ghazi Muhammad, M. (2025). Gathering the Shattered Self: A Study of Characters to Uncover Personal Trauma in Anne Devlin’s After Easter. Adab Al-Rafidayn, 55(101), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.33899/radab.2025.187532