Bridging the Gap in Human Relations through the Novel: A Reflection on Houénou Kowanou’s les Enfants de la Poubelle

Abstract

Even in this present ICT age, the novel still serves as an effective tool of communication. The setting of the novel selected for this study, Houénou Kowanou’s Les Enfants de la poubelle, cuts across three continents: America, Europe and Africa. The heroine, Madeleine, provides an opportunity for the researcher to study human beings and their response to human suffering and pain. Issues like single parenting, kidnapping, child abuse, racial prejudices, underdevelopment, etc. are examined using the psychoanalytical approach, focusing on trauma studies. Through the concept of the universality of suffering and pain as depicted by the heroine’s experiences in the three continents she traverses, attempt is also made to suggest how post-traumatic experiences could be handled and better human relations could be achieved. Suggestions would also be made on how to possibly bridge gaps among peoples of diverse societies through lessons learnt via the novel in perspective with a view to ensuring and enhancing global peace.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2475