Khawf: The Protector and the Tormentor in Zoulfa Katouh’s As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

Abstract

This paper examines Zoulfa Katouh's young adult novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, through the theoretical lens of Trauma literature, analysing how the novel represents the psychological and physical well-being of the Syrian Revolution survivors. The novel centers on Salama kassab a young pharmacy student in Homs experiencing severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and grief. The study explores how intense trauma disrupts traditional narrative structures, expressing internal suffering through sensory experiences, psychological detachment, and visual hallucinations. Drawing upon trauma theories formulated by Cathy Caruth and Judith Herman, this paper emphasizes the role of khawf, Salama’s physical fear and trauma, which, beyond being a clinical symptom, serves as a crucial narrative device and coping mechanism. Khawf externalizes guilt, protects Salama from an overwhelming reality, and sustains her survival.

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