Abstract
Frank Money, an African American war veteran who suffers multiple post-traumatic stress disorders. Frank witnesses the horrors of war, including the murder of his fellow soldiers, experiences racism within the military, and survives a shrapnel injury. These multiple traumatic experiences leave him emotionally scarred, plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and an inability to find stability. Frank's post-war life in racially oppressive America highlight the detrimental effect of systemic racism on African American veterans, exacerbating their trauma and causing a rupture in their sense of self. This paper sheds light on the lasting effects of racial violence, war, and personal abuse, depicting the emotional and psychological scars inflicted by these traumas. However, the novel also emphasizes the importance of healing and reclaiming one's identity. Morrison suggests that by acknowledging and confronting trauma, individuals can forge a path towards personal growth, empowerment, and a sense of homecoming. Home serves as a poignant figurative portrayal of the resilience of African Americans, a testament to the power of healing and the transformative potential of rejecting victimhood and embracing agency.
Keywords: PTSDs, trauma symptoms, racial oppression, racial medicine, eugenic experiments, displacement, humiliation, manliness disruption, trauma recovery.