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bunny_2009

time traveler's wife

16 years ago

Does anyone think that "time travel" for Henry is the device he uses to cope with unspeakable trauma. It began when he witnessed the horrific death of his mother as a young boy. Helpless and powerless he revisits this experience throughout his life, always resulting in the same horrible outcome. After his mother's death he is unable to develop and sustain any meaningful relationships. Then he meets Clare. His love for her overrides his self-protection instinct. The only way that he can cope is to resume "time travel". By so doing, Clare alwasy was, is, and will be a part of his life.

Clare, for her part, falls in love with Henry despite his emotional vulnerability. He is her soul mate, so in that sense it is as if she has always known him.

Could the author be using "time travel" to illustrate the extreme impact childhood trauma can cause? Thoughts?

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