POWER DYNAMICS AND NARRATIVE HUMILITY: A CRITICAL STUDY OF BARKER’S REGENERATION

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of narrative humility and power dynamics through Barker’s Regeneration, that delves into psychological trauma of soldiers during World War I. Narrative Humility is empathetic approach for better recovery and treatment of patients through stories without any biases and socially construct paradigms. This study examines interactions between patients and caregivers in the fictional Craiglockhart War Hospital, raises  questions on systematic and institutional power. Rivers’ approach towards listening and willingness to learn from his patients’ experiences challenges the conventional power dynamics of social and individual morality while going through the conflict of emotions that stories have stirred. Power Dynamics refers to idea of authority and inherent structure of power and influence of collective/social narrative on individual perspective, how narrative humility helps in recognition of these pattern and acknowledging other’s experiences and their stories with humility and empathy. Dr. Rivers journey in Regeneration not only critiques the dominant war narratives but also engage with the characters' experiences in a manner that acknowledges the limitations of understanding in-front of institutional and societal power, such as military demand for soldiers to return to front.