Beyond the Mother Knot: Trauma and Intersectionality in Suzan-Lori Parks' In the Blood

Authors

• Mohammed Abou Adel, United Arab Emirates UniversityFollow
• Mohammad I. Alhourani, Al Ain University
• Ayman I. Elhalafawy, Kafrelsheikh University
• Zeinab M. Zoair, Kafrelsheikh University
• Samir H. Khalifa, Northern Borders University

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1508.05

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2025

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of multi-layered oppression on individuals and society, explicitly referring to Black women's marginalization in Suzan-Lori Parks' In the Blood. It focuses on how race, gender, and class intersect to form the trauma of the protagonist, which ultimately leads to the unraveling of the mother knot. By integrating PTSD theory, intersectional feminism, and social critique, the study presents a new approach to examining racial trauma and systemic oppression. The findings indicate that Black women are subject to institutional, cultural, and individual oppression, which reinforces racial stereotypes and economic exploitation. The cyclical oppression is manifested in psychological distress, avoidance behaviors, and ultimately violent eruptions. The research points to the role of systemic racism in condoning sexual and economic abuse, leading to the tragic death of the protagonist.

Recommended Citation

Abou Adel, Mohammed; Alhourani, Mohammad I.; Elhalafawy, Ayman I.; Zoair, Zeinab M.; and Khalifa, Samir H., "Beyond the Mother Knot: Trauma and Intersectionality in Suzan-Lori Parks' In the Blood" (2025). CoHSS Faculty Work. 30.
https://scholarworks.uaeu.ac.ae/cohss_facwork/30