Abstract

Addressing the enduring impact of systemic violence and political unrest demands a comprehensive analysis of individual involvement within such contexts, beyond the traditional binaries of victim and perpetrator. A Brief History of Seven Killings, by Marlon James, set against the turbulent backdrop of 1970s’ and 1980s’ Jamaica, offers a compelling narrative framework to explore these complexities. The article endeavors to delineate alternative subjective categories, beyond mere victims and perpetrators within the context of violence as portrayed in Marlon James’ A Brief History of Seven Killings. It contends that James’ narrative challenges conventional binaries of good and evil, offering instead a rich tapestry of identities that defy reductionist categorizations. The article leverages Primo Levi’s gray zone and Michael Rothberg’s theoretical framework of implicated subjects to dissect how individuals, entwined in systems of power and violence, reflect the complexities of moral ambiguity and personal agency. The article argues that while the novel provides a detailed portrayal of the era’s sociopolitical landscape, it also calls for an expanded theoretical framework to better capture the experiences of those living under systemic oppression.