The Role of Survival and Trauma in The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff (2017)

Expanding the Roles:
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff follows the intertwined lives of two women—a circus performer and a young Jewish orphan—as they struggle to survive during the Holocaust. The novel explores themes of survival, trauma, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. For literature students, this novel provides an opportunity to analyze the emotional toll of war and the ways that individuals find strength in unexpected circumstances.

• Survival and Resistance in War:
  The characters in The Orphan’s Tale face constant threats to their survival, and their resilience becomes central to their stories. Students can explore how Jenoff portrays the human spirit’s ability to survive even in the most extreme conditions, focusing on the choices characters make in order to persevere.

• The Impact of Trauma on Identity:
  The trauma experienced by the characters in the novel shapes their identities and relationships. Literature students can analyze how Jenoff uses trauma to show how individuals rebuild their lives after profound losses, examining the long-lasting impact of historical events on personal development.

What We Learn:
Through The Orphan's Tale, literature students can explore how trauma and survival intertwine in historical fiction, offering insights into the psychological effects of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.