The Cyclical Nature of Trauma: Memory, Identity, and Psychological Distress in At Night All Blood is Black

Abstract

This study examines the repetitive nature of trauma in David Diop’s At Night All Blood is Black. It further explores how it affects memory, identity, and mental well-being. The narrative, set during World War I, follows Alfa Ndiaye, a Senegalese soldier struggling with the horrors of war and the painful loss of his childhood friend. This paper places the narrative within the larger conversation on postcolonial literature and trauma theory, exploring how personal and historical traumas connect to shape both individual lives and collective identities. The main objective of this study is to present how Diop’s text presents trauma as something that repeats itself and is difficult to escape, particularly through fragmented memories and psychological decline. Using qualitative textual analysis, the research looks at how the novel uses symbolism, narrative structure, and character development to highlight the recurring nature of trauma. The study closely examines key passages, supported by theories of trauma, including Cathy Caruth’s idea of “unclaimed experience” and Frantz Fanon’s work on colonial violence. The findings reveal that Alfa’s growing madness and repeated actions reflect how trauma keeps coming back, making memory both a heavy burden and a way to survive. The narrative shows how war and colonialism break a person’s sense of self, leaving them in a mental state where they feel lost and disconnected. Ultimately, At Night All Blood is Black not only shows the lasting effects of trauma but also criticizes the dehumanizing systems of war and colonialism that continue to fuel it. This study helps deepen the understanding of trauma in postcolonial literature and its connection to modern discussions about mental health and historical memory.