Recalling Sexual Violence in Holocaust Testimonies: Modes of Representation and Interpretation

This thesis examines the audiovisual testimonies of female Holocaust survivors who recounted their memories of sexual violence experienced during the period of Nazi persecution. Drawing on practices of close reading, my thesis consistently analyses the linguistic and performative elements of testimonies through the conceptual lenses of trauma, agency, and empathy. I argue that by extending our focus from the events of the past and onto the events of its retelling in testimonies, it is possible to deepen our understanding of how women experienced and recalled sexual violence.