Poetika: Jurnal Ilmu Sastra
Vol 14, No 2 (2026): Issue 2

When Judith Herman's Theory Cannot Heal Omar's Trauma

Eva Farhah (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Khabibi Muhammad Luthfi (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Reza Sukma Nugraha (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Afnan Arummi (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Arifuddin Arifuddin (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Muhammad Yunus Anis (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Tri Yanti Nurul Hidayati (Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Nuha Qonita (University of Exeter)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2026

Abstract

This study examines Hany Abu-Assad’s film Omar (2013), focusing on the forms of recovery from trauma experienced by the character Omar. Drawing on Judith Herman’s (1992) theory of trauma and recovery, it investigates how Omar recovers from the trauma he experiences. Trauma is understood here as the lasting impact of an event, resembling an invisible wound that influences a character’s attitudes and actions. The data consist of images and dialogue indicating trauma recovery and are analyzed using a descriptive qualitative method. Omar’s recovery is described and interpreted in relation to Herman’s theoretical framework. The findings show that the forms of recovery vary according to the type of trauma Omar experiences. In the case of single trauma, his recovery can be explained through the stages described in Herman’s framework. In the case of prolonged trauma, however, his experience exceeds the scope of these stages, ultimately leading him to fight to the bitter end. These findings highlight the influence of the social, cultural, and political contexts in which the character is situated on his experiences of trauma and recovery. The study therefore suggests that Herman’s framework can explain certain aspects of Omar’s recovery but has limitations in accounting for his response to prolonged trauma.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

poetika

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities

Description

POETIKA: Jurnal Ilmu Sastra publishes academic articles within the scope of literary criticism (limited to poem, prose, drama, oral tradition, and philology). The articles cover the form of a result on specific analysis; academic reports; closed reading; and the application of certain theories to ...