Literature as a Road to Peace
Nonviolent Communication in Blue Jasmine
A potential road to peace in relationships is nonviolent communication (NVC), a universal needs-based philosophy and practice that emphasizes mutual compassion and empathy as well as openness and flexibility. A novel idea is that NVC may be delivered not only through education, training, or nonfictional materials but also through peace literature. Narrative fiction in particular offers various benefits to readers. Thus, using narrative criticism, this paper examines Blue Jasmine (2004) by Kashmira Sheth. After offering a descriptive overview of the novel and brief biographical information about the author, it analyzes the narrator's consciousness and practice (thoughts, actions, and speech) and Sheth's choices and use of literary devices in events demonstrating core elements of NVC as well as responses to tragic expressions of needs. In this way, the paper raises awareness of (the value of) NVC and shows how the author contributes to peaceful conflict transformation while simultaneously highlighting a special role for literature.