Embarking on my second term at UBC coincided with the start of a new year. In my English class, we delved into the novel Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close written by Foer, which is a poignant exploration of the 9/11 incident through the lens of a young boy who lost his father in the tragedy. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist, Oscar, grapples with trigger points stemming from the event, such as elevators, tall buildings, and public transportation. Despite the inherent difficulty of discussing familial tragedy, Oscar courageously embarks on a journey to connect with his deceased father, seeking clues through encounters with strangers.
Reflecting on my previous blog where I discussed the Great Eastern Earthquake (3.11) in Japan, I draw parallels to the challenges faced by those who lost their loved ones. In the aftermath of such sudden and visually elusive deaths, individuals often struggle to accept the reality of their loss. Drawing from my experiences in volunteering and engaging with trauma narratives from the Great Eastern Earthquake, I acquired a deeper understanding of the importance of open dialogue. Many individuals grappling with loss find solace and understanding by articulating their experiences, organizing thoughts, and confronting the traumatic events.
Oscar undergoes a comparable process as he shares his 9/11 experiences with strangers, enabling him to cope with the ensuing depression and trauma. Holding secrets from his mother, such as the voice messages and a phone call from his father, Oscar initially grapples with internal turmoil. However, through the act of verbalizing his experiences, he attains a profound comprehension of the traumatic memories. The book highlights the transformative impact of articulating and sharing trauma with others, as evidenced in the life of its protagonist, Oscar.