“The Burden of History and Narratives of Resilience: Inheritance and Trauma in Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred.”

By Jasmine Mattey

I had the incredible opportunity to present my research at the NeMLA (Northeast Modern Language Association) Conference in Boston, MA, an experience made possible through the generous support of the Office of Undergraduate Research Travel Award. The conference served as a platform for me to share insights from my Senior Capstone Paper titled “The Burden of History and Narratives of Resilience: Inheritance and Trauma in Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred.”

My presentation delved into Butler’s exploration of intergenerational trauma rooted in the legacy of enslavement. I argue that Butler leverages the idea of inheritance to explore trauma’s enduring impact on Black individuals and communities. The transformative power of personal and collective storytelling lies at the heart of Butler’s narrative. Through the characters in Kindred, Butler illustrates diverse reactions to the weight of inherited trauma, emphasizing the role of narratives as sources of resilience and empowerment. I highlight how the act of storytelling, both individually and communally, serves as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of generational trauma.

Jasmine Mattey next to her poster at the NEMLA conference.

Presenting at the convention was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to discuss my research with peers, graduate students, and faculty members. These interactions helped me refine my arguments and provided invaluable insights, perspectives, and feedback on how to strengthen my work.

Moreover, the conference provided a platform for networking with academic presses. I seized this opportunity to connect with publishers, hoping to establish lasting relationships that could facilitate my entry into the world of publishing post-graduation.

I am immensely grateful for the support extended to me by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the English Department. Since I had to make the trip to Boston from New Jersey, this experience would not have been possible without their assistance. Additionally, I am forever grateful to Dr. Evans and Dr. Arora for their unwavering guidance and support throughout my academic journey.