Unveiling the Silent Suffering of Women in Christina Reid’s Tea in a China Cup
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31185/lark.3875Keywords:
Keywords: Christina Reid; trauma theory; the troubles; women.Abstract
Families, groups, and individuals were deeply affected by the Troubles, a period of severe political and sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. While most of the existing research on the Troubles concentrates on men's experiences and the wider political backdrop, this study turns attention to the often-overlooked suffering of women. The paper examines the trauma experienced by women during the Troubles as presented in Christina Reid's play Tea in a China Cup. The paper extensively examines Reid's play, focusing on female characters' emotional problems, psychological traumas, and the long-term effects of violence and political chaos. It investigates how these women manage their daily lives in the face of violence, strained familial connections, and cultural expectations. Drawing on trauma theory and feminist perspectives, this study explores how Reid's work exposes the special issues that women faced during this turbulent time. It investigates the portrayal of silenced voices, the influence of patriarchal systems, and the endurance and responsibility shown by female protagonists in their quest for healing and empowerment. The study contributes to comprehending the human cost of violence and the necessity for gender-sensitive historical research by highlighting women's trauma during the Troubles. It points to the necessity of recognizing women's experiences, gaining vital insights into their lived realities, and enhancing the discourse on trauma and conflict.
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