Multidirectional Transfer of Traumatic Memory — A Little Annihilation by Anna Janko

Abstract

The formula of the leading research problem in this article takes the following form and is an attempt to answer the question: to what extent can (post)memory be considered a multidirectional phenomenon, and how does the multi-directionality of (post)memory affect identity? The work is therefore divided into two main parts, which can be named successively: theoretical, including definitional and methodological comments, and analytical, focusing on the interpretation of A Little Annihilation by Anna Janko (the daughter of Teresa Ferenc, who survived the pacification of Sochy in the Zamość region) as a testimony changing memory of the Holocaust. The theoretical part is filled with studies on (post)memory, its multi-directionality (as understood by Michael Rothberg), and the concept (as presented by Marianne Hirsch). A more extensive analytical part focuses on the uniqueness of the extermination experience of Teresa Ferenc and Anna Janko — it is a reflection on the transmission of traumatic memory, which can take place in many dimensions: from the subject already experiencing the trauma (Teresa Ferenc) to the subject just experiencing this trauma (Anna Janko) and just experiencing this trauma (Anna Janko) to the subject already experienced by the trauma (Teresa Ferenc). This work also considers the competitive aspect of (post)memory multidirectional. The analyzed work also reveals the fruit of (post)trauma, which boils down to difficulties in mentalization and double personalities, the common element of which is the specter of nine-year-old Renia, nesting in the mother and daughter’s bodies like the worst parasite. The juxtaposition of A Little Annihilation with post-memorial works also makes it possible to see the intricate construction of this text, which determines that it is here that the issue of multidirectional (post)memory is most fully realized.