Gothic imagination: mapping the cultural memory and remembrance of the epidemic plague

Abstract

Narratives about the epidemic plague create a sense of mystery and fear associated with the cultural landscape. Incorporating the backdrop of the plague, the first part of this research explores the portrayal of the epidemic as the setting against which a Priest engages in a ritualistic transgression to safeguard his soul. The second part focuses on the enigmatic events that unfold when the tomb of the priest inside the church is disturbed, giving rise to a series of mysterious occurrences. By employing Linda Hutcheon's historiographic metafiction, the study focuses on remembering the epidemic plague in the novel A Shadow on the Wall by Jonathan Aycliffe. It examines the interplay between memory and the construction of narrative. This research article delves into the fascinating realm of memory and its profound influence on human consciousness through the novel. It explores how memory can create an imaginary experience, allowing the protagonist to briefly revisit a past that haunts his present and might alter his future. Moreover, the article delves into the intricate operations of cultural collective memory associated with the church, shedding light on its ability to articulate the complex relationship between the past, present, and future within the human psyche. By investigating these themes, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of memory and its role in shaping human consciousness