Unspoken
Truths: Trauma and the Silencing of Sexuality in Achmat Dangor’s “Bitter Fruit”
Dr. Arijit Mondal
Assistant
Professor
Amity
School of Languages
Amity
University Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract:
For
a person who is sexually exploited and harassed, it becomes psychologically
impossible to pass the traumatic memory as it continues to haunt and creates an
enormous impact on the psychological aspect of an individual. With particular reference to Achmat Dangor’s short story
“Bitter Fruit,” the paper tries to address the question of how the memory of an
individual is silenced under the shadow of colonial oppression that turns into
the form of traumatised experience. The traumatic
narrative which expresses the depressive thoughts and feelings is a part of the
remedy for getting over mental depression. The vocabulary of grief, pain and
trauma as encrypted in the language of the story underlines the purifying
effect of self from the debris of pain and the debilitating forces.
Therefore, the paper tries to explore how traumatic
memories remain silent in society and how people become stone-like to face
those traumas under the oppression of higher authority.
Keywords:
Memory, Past, Sexuality, Trauma, Introduction
For
people subjected to sexual exploitation and harassment, it becomes
psychologically challenging to overcome the haunting presence of traumatic
memories, which exert a profound impact on their mental health. Trauma
profoundly impacts individuals by not only manifesting in physical symptoms,
such as chronic pain or fatigue, but also by altering their psychological
well-being, resulting in conditions like anxiety or depression, which together
create a lasting and often detrimental effect on their memory and overall
quality of life. Notably, memories stemming from traumatic experiences tend to
be more fragmented and disjointed compared to those associated with
non-traumatic events. An individual’s memory holds the sequence of various past
experiences, but when it comes to trauma, these recollections often emerge as
fragmented narratives. Articulating the depressive emotions associated with
trauma can act as a vital therapeutic outlet, facilitating emotional release
and promoting healing, ultimately aiding people in their journey toward
recovery from mental distress. However, under the weight of societal or
institutional oppression, traumatic memories frequently remain suppressed,
causing people to become emotionally numb, as though frozen in the face of such
overwhelming pain. In History and Silence: Purge and Rehabilitation of
Memory in Late Antiquity, Charles W. Hedrick Jr. argues that “silence is
not merely the absence of speech; it is the implication of something that might
have been said, but is not” (87).
Set
in British colonial India, Achmat Dangor’s short story “Bitter Fruit” centres
around the character of Ali Ali and his pursuit of vengeance against a white
man who raped his sister, Hajera. Traumatic experiences, often laden with
bitterness, are frequently silenced by societal expectations. A central theme
of the narrative revolves around Hajera’s rape by an English officer, an
incident that transforms into a profoundly repressed and muted memory,
significantly impacting her sense of self and agency. This trauma haunts her
throughout her life, leaving her psychologically broken, and drained of the
will to confront the shame, until she ultimately succumbs to death, living as a
mere shell of herself. The story intricately explores Ali Ali’s quest for
revenge, portraying it as a crucial mechanism for him to confront and wrestle
with the unresolved traumas and haunting memories of his past, ultimately
seeking a sense of justice and closure. His act of retribution against the
white officer can “become psychological defense mechanisms that facilitate the
suppression of dreadful memories or help to escape past entrapments”
(Maier-Katkin 50).
Trauma, Grief and Pain
The
vocabulary of grief, pain, and trauma embedded in the language of the story highlights
the purifying process of freeing oneself from the weight of suffering and
oppressive forces. Set against the historical backdrop of the collective
journey of Indian people to South Africa as indentured labourers, the narrative
explores a period largely unfamiliar to contemporary audiences. Hajera embodies
the myriad of women who suffered profound trauma during their time as
indentured labourers in South Africa, symbolising their collective struggles,
resilience, and the often-overlooked narratives of exploitation and hardship
they faced. The portrayal of silence throughout the story suggests a deeper
significance tied to the hardships faced by Indian indentured labourers during
their early years in the country. Hajera, in particular, is profoundly impacted
by the trauma, grappling with the daunting challenge of facing the brutal
reality of her circumstances, as her emotional and psychological scars
intertwine with her daily existence, hindering her ability to find solace or
reclaim her identity. Her aspiration for a fulfilling life is irrevocably
shattered when she falls victim to sexual violence perpetrated by a white
officer, an event that not only robsher dignity but also marks the beginning of
a relentless struggle with trauma and despair. This violation leaves an
indelible scar on her psyche, leaving her feeling crushed, humiliated, and
emotionally shattered, as the weight of her trauma permeates every aspect of
her existence, hindering her ability to heal and reclaim her sense of self. Her
brother, Hamed Chothia—renamed “Ali Ali” in the narrative—becomes engulfed by
an overwhelming desperation for revenge against her attacker, allowing his
quest for retribution to overshadow his rationality and drive him deeper into a
cycle of anger and sorrow. In this context, it is worth noting that “silence
may be a product of oppression or it may be a means of resistance against
oppression” (Roberts344). Traumatic events frequently re-emerge for victims as
vivid flashbacks or distressing nightmares, reawakening a multitude of painful
experiences that inflict both physical and psychological suffering, thereby
perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and emotional turmoil that can hinder the
healing process. The emotional burden of trauma is intricately linked to a
complex web of feelings, including grief, anxiety, guilt, shame, pain, and
depression, often manifesting alongside physical disorders, thus creating a
multifaceted challenge that complicates the recovery process and deeply affects
an individual’s overall well-being. The brutalities inherent in incidents of
rape frequently silence the victims, rendering their voices marginalised in
literary narratives and often overshadowed by the prevailing political forces
that manipulate and control the discourse surrounding their experiences. As Md
Abu Shahid Abdullah notes, “Victims and survivors of traumatic events are
either unwilling or unable to talk about those events because of the
brutalities they entail and the lack of a suitable narrative” (8). Although the
story primarily focuses on an individual’s personal trauma, it also sheds light
on the difficult experiences of Indian people embarking on a new life in South
Africa. Hajera’s previously carefree existence is irrevocably shattered when
she is raped by an English lieutenant, plunging her into a life characterised
by profound humiliation and despair, as she grapples with the emotional
aftermath of her trauma and the societal stigma that follows her. In this
context, it becomes clear that rape leaves an indelible imprint on the victim’s
memory, a haunting trace that cannot be easily erased, profoundly influencing
their identity and shaping their emotional landscape long after the traumatic
event has occurred. As the narrative reflects,
There
are certain things people do not forget, or forgive. Rape is one of them. In
ancient times, conquerors destroyed the will of those whom they conquered by
impregnating the women. It is an ancient form of genocide…You conquer a nation
by bastardising its children. (Dangor 63)
Power and Silencing of
Sexuality
In
Achmat Dangor’s “Bitter Fruit,” the theme of silence is pivotal to the
narrative, illuminating the pervasive issues of violence, torture, and white
supremacy that emerge in the aftermath of the rape, revealing how these
elements intertwine to shape the characters’ experiences and highlight the
broader societal injustices at play. After the English soldier rapes Hajera,
instead of taking responsibility for his crime, he deflects blame by accusing
her and her family of tarnishing his honour, a reaction that underscores the
toxic entitlement and patriarchal values that allow perpetrators to evade
accountability while further victimising those they harm. This reaction
reflects the entrenched dominance of the English in society, highlighting their
ability to control the narrative and manipulate perceptions, thereby
reinforcing their power and perpetuating the systemic oppression of marginalised
people who are denied a voice in the aftermath of such violence. For those
lacking authority, particularly among the merchant and working class, it
becomes nearly impossible to defend themselves against such accusations, as the
power dynamics heavily favour the dominant groups, rendering them vulnerable to
exploitation and further marginalisation in a society that silences their
voices. When Hajera becomes pregnant, her family finds themselves unable to
prove the English soldier’s guilt, leaving them trapped in a painful limbo
where justice feels unattainable, and the burden of shame and stigma is compounded
by their powerlessness in the face of societal prejudices. As a white,
commissioned officer, he wields significant power and influence to discredit
Hajera, easily dismissing the accusations of a “coolie” girl and reinforcing
the systemic racism and classism that allow his word to overshadow her truth,
ultimately silencing her in the pursuit of justice. The silencing of female
sexuality in this context brings about a double trauma—first, the victim is
suffocated by the horror of the event, and then she must carry the burden of
accusations and shame for the rest of her life. In patriarchal societies,
trauma associated with molestation, rape, and other forms of violence is
frequently silenced, as prevailing social norms not only marginalise the
victims but also exacerbate their suffering by perpetuating stigma, shame, and
a culture of disbelief that inhibits open dialogue and healing. As Zahra Haghshenas
and Alireza Anushiravani observe,
The
silence of women is sometimes the product of the values of their societies.
Women who live in traditional societies are more affected by traumatic
situations because the forces of society do not allow them to talk. Their
society does not accept the reality of women’s problems, so women prefer to be
silent rather than condemning themselves to a lifetime of derision from their
community. (9913)
In
an attempt to psychologically distance Hajera from the trauma of her sexual
assault, her family makes the difficult decision to send her away to another
village, hoping that physical separation will facilitate healing and shield her
from the societal judgment and stigma that accompany her experience. Her family
also grapples with an identity crisis, opting to remain silent about their pain
and the incident in a bid to protect their social standing, thereby internalising
their suffering while navigating the complexities of societal expectations and
the fear of ostracism. Fearing public shame, they suppress the truth, allowing
the weight of their unspoken anguish to fester beneath the surface, ultimately
prioritising their reputation over their emotional well-being and the need for acknowledgement
and healing. The silencing of sexuality emerges as a dominant theme in the
story, as Hajera’s family, unable to confront the harsh reality of her assault,
shifts the blame onto her for supposedly dishonouring them, reflecting their
deep-seated fears and the societal pressures that compel them to protect their
reputation at the expense of their daughter’s dignity and emotional health. Her
sexual encounter with the English officer is perceived as a stain on the family’s
reputation, casting a long shadow over their honour and further entrenching the
cycle of shame that forces them to conceal the truth rather than seek justice
or healing. Hajera’s once simple joys, her “love for music, for walking in the
shade of mango groves, staring at the river,” are overshadowed by the trauma
she endures, leading to her being labelled insane and confined to a madhouse (Dangor
61).
Her
family’s resentment intensifies as they perceive her as the source of their
disgrace, imposing the expectation that she remains silent in society, thereby
compounding her isolation and suffering while they prioritise their own honour
over her emotional well-being. As the story describes—
Her
family is angry with her for having disgraced them. She should have kept quiet,
they would have found a nice young Muslim boy to marry her. Now they do not
want to draw attention to their fallen relative. Allowing her to give birth at
home, in their village, would attract all kinds of curiosity. A soldier’s
whore. Does the infant have tell-tale blond hair and blue eyes? Hajera is sent
away, to another small village near Kholvad, her mother’s brother’s home. There
she gives birth in a state hospital. (Dangor 61)
The physical and
psychological wounds inflicted upon Hajera are silenced by her family, who are
gripped by fear of the disgrace that such exposure would entail, leading them
to prioritise societal perceptions over her need for acknowledgement and
healing. Though her trauma is a deeply personal
experience, it intertwines with a larger narrative, revealing the collective
shame and suffering of her community and highlighting how individual pain often
reflects broader social injustices and cultural stigmas that affect many.
Traumatic
Memory and Its Impact
Cathy Caruth’s assertion that “the
theory of individual trauma contains within it the core of the trauma of a
larger history” resonates in “Bitter Fruit,” where Hajera’s personal suffering
reflects the broader, often suppressed, historical traumas imposed by
patriarchal and societal structures (71). Silencing these traumatic events not
only suppresses the individual’s pain but also resurrects memories of past
experiences, perpetuating a cycle of distress that continues to influence their
present, hindering healing and reinforcing the emotional scars that remain
unresolved. The suppression of sexuality is particularly pronounced in the
story, exemplified by her family’s determined efforts to conceal the rape
instead of confronting it, reflecting their desire to maintain social
respectability while ignoring the profound emotional and psychological toll
this silence takes on Hajera. When Hajera is assaulted by an English officer,
her “silence creates an opportunity for additional trauma and oppression”
(Donadey 40).For individuals in positions of power, such as the English
officer, the rape of an Indian girl is easily dismissed, viewed as a minor
inconvenience that can be swept aside, highlighting the systemic inequalities
that enable the perpetuation of violence against marginalised individuals
without fear of accountability. The narrative is manipulated to safeguard the
interests of the powerful, creating an environment where it becomes nearly
impossible for those without authority to challenge or disrupt the prevailing
discourse, thereby reinforcing systemic injustices and silencing marginalised
voices. As Dangor writes:
Why would he need to rape an Indian
girl, the daughter of a lowly merchant, a dry-goods wallah? You see, he knows
all the defences, all the believable things to say. Why would a white officer,
engaged to an Englishwoman, soil himself with a body of a coolie girl? (61)
The phrase “Yes sir, the British
have brought civilization to India” poignantly highlights the irony of how
colonial powers, under the guise of civilization, suppressed the truth (Dangor
61). The silencing of Hajera’s rape illustrates how British influence
conditioned Indian society to conceal truths that might threaten their social
standing, reinforcing a culture of silence and shame that prioritises
reputation over the dignity and justice deserved by victims. In the story, the
English officer succeeds not only in violating Hajera but also in preserving
his own honour, while her family is complicit in keeping the event
hidden.Silencing Hajera’s rape is far from meaningless; it symbolises the
lasting imprint of trauma, transmitting a message that remains embedded in the
victim’s memory. As Adam Jaworski notes, silence is “a metaphor for
communication,” the theme of silence in the story ultimately conveys a powerful
social message: such crimes should not be concealed but brought to light to
raise awareness and inspire collective action(3). The imposition of silence,
therefore, is intricately tied to the socio-political conditions that shape and
constrain the narrative of traumatic events.
The trope of silence signifies that
the victim in the story is profoundly impacted by the brutal torture she
endures, creating an enduring burden that she struggles to overcome later in
her life, as the unresolved trauma continues to echo through her experiences
and relationships. The atrocity of the incident haunts her memory so much that
she cannot even think of “another world”that she used to dream about before the
traumatic and awful incident (Dangor 62). While narrating the story of Hajera,
the writer has adopted a new technique where she is not even given a dialogue
throughout the whole text; her action is narrated by the writer himself. This
technique is sometimes followed by the writers as “women are customarily ‘silenced’
in male-authored texts in order to be rendered powerless” (Person 471). Her
memory of rape is rejected by society, forcing her to suffer in silence as she
grapples with the pain of her experience in isolation, deprived of validation
and support in a world that refuses to acknowledge her trauma. As the daughter
of a lowly merchant, she is rendered voiceless and marginalised in society,
particularly in the presence of a white officer, whose authority and privilege
overshadow her existence, leaving her powerless to assert her own narrative or
seek justice. When she is found to be pregnant by the officer, all the false
accusations and blames are put on her—
Hajera is found to be pregnant, he
accused her and her family of trying to disgrace him, says she is a whore who
gives herself to untouchables and passing beggars. Whereas he is betrothed to a
young Englishwoman, they are to marry soon as the war is over. Why would he
need to rape an Indian girl, the daughter of a lowly merchant, a dry-goods
wallah? You see, he knows all the defences, all the believable things to say.
Why would a white officer, engaged to an Englishwoman, soil himself with a body
of a ‘coolie’ girl? (Dangor 61)
The
silencing of her rape finds a semblance of voice when Ali Ali avenges her
suffering by murdering the officer, an act that, while brutal, symbolises a
desperate reclaiming of agency and a challenge to the oppressive silence that
has long shrouded her trauma. The victim’s silence cannot erase the haunting
memory of the trauma that arises from the horrifying incident, as the emotional
and psychological scars linger, continuously affecting her sense of self and
shaping her interactions with the world around her. Basically, the silence is
imposed on the victim by her family members who “try to eradicate her from
their memories” so that no stain of dishonour can touch them in future (Dangor
62).
Conclusion
The representation of trauma in
literature serves to illuminate the gruesome experiences and memories of
survivors, offering a platform for their voices to be heard and facilitating a
deeper understanding of their struggles, thereby fostering empathy and
highlighting the need for healing and justice. The paper has tried to answer
the question of how the memory of an individual is silenced under the shadow of
colonial oppression that turns into the form of traumatised experience through
the thematic analysis of Achmat Dangor’s “Bitter Fruit.” So, the paper has
investigated how the incident of sexual oppression is kept silent in society
and how the victim gets affected by the post-traumatic period.Marginalised people
must be given ample space to articulate their silenced voices and share their
traumatic pasts, as this expression is essential for their healing,
empowerment, and the broader recognition of their experiences within society.
As Lynn Sorsoli emphasises, “exploring the effect of speaking from a social
location that includes gender, race, and class will require careful listening
and sensitive attention within a space that not only allows the presence of
marginalised voices, but also actively encourages those quieted voices to
speak” (139).
Literature helps people to
understand the heinous effect of rape that causes trauma for the victim and
makes them aware of the consequences so that they can be conscious of it in the
near future— “Trauma, loneliness, contempt and hatred suffered by a survivor
can be healed when the reader reads a trauma narrative and empathises with that
survivor” (Abdullah 18).The social relevance of such events is brought to the
forefront through the literal representation of characters like Hajera, Ali
Ali, and the English officer, as their experiences and interactions underscore
the complex dynamics of power, trauma, and identity within the societal context,
highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and acknowledgement of these issues.
Silencing the rape of Hajera works as a speaking subject in the story that
delineates the subjugation of the lowly people and the barbarity of the
powerful people. Therefore, the paper serves as a powerful articulation of the
need to illuminate and openly discuss events that have long been shrouded in
silence within society, advocating for the acknowledgement of trauma and the
importance of giving voice to marginalised experiences.
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