Exploring the Depths of Human Resilience: War, Displacement, and Identity in Samar Yazbek’s Planet of Clay

Abstract

Displacement is one of the significant geographical elements in human history. People displace themselves mainly for two reasons. Firstly, as a choice of empowerment, and secondly, as no choice but of compulsion. This research paper focuses on the second reason behind displacement in the context of war on the compulsive displacement of individuals or groups. To understand compulsive displacement, the researchers examine the novel Planet of Clay by Samar Yazbek through the lens of Judith Herman’s Trauma theory and Michael Ungar’s Ecological Resilience Theory. By tracing the protagonist, Rima’s journey in Planet of Clay, this research further explores her traumatic experiences and her resilience to handle the adversities during the war. Thus, this research paper highlights the extreme need for an ongoing discussion on war, displacement, and identity. By shedding light on the psychological impacts of war and the potential for resilience at both environmental and personal levels, this research discusses the effects of war on individual and collective identities and the transformative power of resilience.