John Delbo Trauma

Trauma refers to a delayed response to an event or multiple events that takes form after the experience has already occurred. It is a rather complicated disruption that interferes with one’s understanding of the capacity of trauma on a basic level. In fact, the postponement of the response to the event results in a limited understanding on a personal level. It can only be fully understood through the listening of others that were present when the event occurred. As a result, one is not able to interpret his/her own traumatic history entirely.
There are varying symptoms of trauma that are experienced in a series of moments, which could be a result of the initial shock and stress when the event occurs. Although there are symptoms of traumatic experiences, they are not easily interpreted as each individual is affected differently dependent upon the situation. The symptoms result once one recognizes the experience. According to Caruth, the “traumatized may become the symptom of the history” that they have yet to fully understand. The trauma begins to affect the survivor
with the onset of hallucinations that take place entirely against their desire, which eventually develops into a shocking confrontation with reality. For some people, detachment from the situation is experienced rather than confrontation. As described by Freud, the series of symptoms develop in the weeks following the incident that occupy a physical form. Each experience assumes a greater force in the time elapsed between when it first occurred and it is perceived by the victim. Only when the survivor listens to the story of another survivor can the experience be fully grasped.
As exemplified in “Voices”, Delbo describes her experience while in the camp.
Because many of her writings were authored after the war finished, the entire piece serves as her connection to her traumatic past. Through writing, she found a source of comfort that gave her a reason to live. In detailing her experiences and others’ experiences, Delbo actively puts effort into making amends with her uncomfortable past. Delbo states, “when I talk to you about Auschwitz, it is not from deep memory my words issue..they come from external memory” (79). Thus, her writing acts as her delayed response to what she endured while in the camps. This is also evident within the film Witness, as each survivor speaks of very specific memories experienced while in the camp or throughout the war. Throughout the entire film, each survivor is seen emotionally distraught and fidgety as they recall their traumatic
histories.
Ultimately, trauma provides the connection between the past of oneself and the past of others to understand the history experienced and the impact invoked as a result. Although trauma is uncomfortable, it communicates the catastrophes of one culture to another culture that may be desensitized to the horrors one has previously endured.