نوع مقاله : مقاله علمی پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 دانشگاه تبریز- گروه زبان و ادبیات فرانسه
2 دانشگاه تبریز- گروه زبان و ادبیات انگلیسی
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction
This study explores the concept of involuntary memory and its impact on our understanding of self and the continuity of our experiences over time. Drawing on the works of Berntsen, Mace, and Ebbinghaus, it develops a comprehensive framework to analyze how involuntary and autobiographical memories influence identity formation. The novel Rue des Boutiques Obscures by Patrick Modiano serves as the central text for this investigation, highlighting the nuanced and complex interplay between memory and identity.
Background of the Study
Berntsen posits that autobiographical memory is not merely a collection of individual memories but a dynamic structure and narrative through which we construct our life stories and define our identities. He identifies two main functions of autobiographical memory: the directive function, which influences our future decisions and behaviors, and the self-representational function, which focuses on the formation and maintenance of our sense of identity. In contrast, Mace adopts an experimental approach to memory, focusing on the phenomenon of chaining, where one memory can trigger another. This is achieved through controlled laboratory experiments that examine the characteristics of involuntary memories. Ebbinghaus contributes by emphasizing the spontaneous nature of involuntary memory and the associative chains that link sequential ideas. His distinction between voluntary and involuntary memory provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how different types of memories are recalled.
Methodology
The study applies the theoretical frameworks of Berntsen, Mace, and Ebbinghaus to the literary analysis of Rue des Boutiques Obscures. It examines how the protagonist, Guy Roland, experiences memory retrieval through both voluntary and involuntary mechanisms. The analysis categorizes memory triggers into abstract, sensory-perceptual, and state-based cues. Abstract cues include words or phrases that evoke memories, while sensory-perceptual cues are based on direct sensory experiences, such as places, objects, smells, and sounds. State-based cues refer to emotional or mental states that trigger memories. Specific scenes and elements within the novel are identified as textual cues that evoke memories, contributing to Roland's fragmented identity reconstruction. For example, the title of a book or the sound of a familiar tune can spontaneously bring back memories that are crucial for understanding the protagonist's past. The study also considers the impact of context on memory retrieval, highlighting the contrasting conditions under which voluntary and involuntary memories surface. It explores how the protagonist's active search for his lost identity, characterized by focused attention and cognitive load, contrasts with the more spontaneous and unbidden nature of involuntary memory retrieval.
Conclusion
The study concludes that involuntary memory plays a crucial role in shaping the protagonist's identity in Rue des Boutiques Obscures. The interaction between voluntary and involuntary memories creates a fragmented and continuously evolving sense of self. Modiano’s portrayal of memory retrieval highlights the unpredictable nature of memory and its profound impact on identity formation. By examining the protagonist's journey through fragmented recollections, the study underscores the complexities and psychological effects of memory on personal identity. The novel demonstrates how the interplay between voluntary and involuntary memories leads to a dynamic and multifaceted understanding of self, where memories, both clear and ambiguous, shape and redefine the protagonist's identity. This complex interaction illustrates the profound influence of memory on the protagonist's sense of belonging and his continual search for clarity and understanding of his past.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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