Trauma, Narrative Medicine, and Healing: A Literary Analysis of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Abstract

This research paper examines the intersection of trauma theory and narrative medicine through a literary analysis of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (2017) by Gail Honeyman. Narrative medicine, which underscores the need of incorporating patients’ narratives into medical treatment, offers a framework for comprehending the intricacies of trauma and recovery from a patient-centered viewpoint. This study elucidates the manifestation of trauma in literary narratives and explores its ramifications for healthcare practice, emphasizing how trauma theory can enhance comprehension of the psychological and emotional aspects of patient experiences. This research aims to examine the protagonist Eleanor Oliphant’s traumatic experiences and her path to rehabilitation, illustrating how literature, can offer significant insights for healthcare practitioners dealing with trauma survivors. This paper utilizes qualitative methods and literary analysis to examine important themes including trauma, solitude, and recovery. The study examines the protagonist’s narrative to reveal how her introspections and the storytelling process match the tenets of narrative medicine, which highlight the therapeutic value of personal tales in cultivating empathy and trust in patient care. Significant findings indicate that interacting with literature enhances healthcare practitioners’ comprehension of the patient experience and assists in mitigating the enduring impacts of trauma. This work has notable consequences for both literary and medical domains, as it illustrates the importance of literature in augmenting physicians’ empathy and strengthening their capacity to address the needs of trauma survivors. This study addresses a deficiency by implementing narrative medicine ideas to a particular literary piece, so enhancing the discourse on the intersection of literature and medicine in facilitating healing.