K. Jaya
Sri Krishna Arts and Science College, Coimbatore
Pages:405-410
This paper explores the intricate relationship between masculinity and trauma in Kevin
Powers’ The Yellow Birds, set amid the Iraq War. It examines the psychological and
emotional toll of combat on male soldiers, focusing on how traditional masculinity is
both challenged and reinforced by war and post-traumatic stress. Through close analysis,
the study reveals protagonist Bartle’s struggle with the war’s aftermath, highlighting
the tension between societal expectations of male stoicism and the vulnerability trauma
exposes. Powers’ portrayal critiques conventional masculine ideals, emphasizing internal
and external conflicts, such as guilt, disconnection, and mental suffering. Additionally,
the paper considers combat trauma’s effects on self-identity and relationships, placing
The Yellow Birds within broader discussions of gender, mental health, and war in
contemporary literature.