NARRATIVE FRAGMENTATION AND TRAUMA: A STRUCTURALIST ANALYSIS OF JAVED’S RANI

Abstract

This study investigates the presence of trauma and pain through narrative fragmentation in Kanza Javed’s Rani. An excessive research under the canopy of contemporary Pakistani fiction, has focused on themes like social marginalization, patriarchy, gender inequality, oppression, and pain. However visibly less focus has been devoted to the formal narrative structures, through which these experiences are conveyed. While addressing this gap, the present study answers how broken text, riddle of silent characters, and fragmented time-line contribute to the depiction of psychological trauma, depression and suppressed memory in Rani. The research is grounded in Tzvetan Todorov’s model of narrative progression, Gérard Genette’s concept of narrative temporality and Roland Barthes’ narrative codes as its core theoretical models. This research investigates the instability of traumatic memory through Rani’s non-linear structures, Using qualitative text analysis and close reading. Memory loss, inner suffering, dialogue shift, repeated calling and silence reflects psychological disturbance and emotional pain. Additionally, this study argues that missed details in the text compels the reader to rebuild hidden or partially revealed events and make meaning. Trauma in Rani, therefore, is observed not only through themes but also through the structure of the story itself. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that fragmentation in the story functions as both an aesthetic strategy and a narrative mode through which memory, guilt, and unresolved trauma are articulated.