How Is the Selective Nature of Memory Explored by Ian McEwan and in Biology? by Imogen Ash

Neuronovels seem to adhere to a neuroscientific view of the self and memory mainly when read through the lens of cognitive literary criticism and neuro lit crit. For example, in several novels by Ian McEwan, details of certain memories are magnified, and narrative closeups signify the emotions attached to those details: the protagonist’s narration of an encounter by a fountain in Atonement, the recollection of the hot-air balloon crash in Enduring Love, the circumstantial account of the attack on the main character’s house and family in Saturday. A neuro lit crit analysis of those episodes reads like the following:

When an individual encounters a stressful situation an instinctive response is prompted. . . . This response suggests that in situations where we undergo stress, our neurons process more information than they usually would do, due to the production of adrenaline. Therefore, a great number of synaptic connections are formed in the brain, allowing us to build up a stronger memory of the event just experienced, which then can be strengthened farther through recall. (Ash 2012)

Vidal, Fernando and Ortega, Francisco. Being Brains: Making the Cerebral Subject (Forms of Living)....

Ash, Imogen. 2012. “How Is the Selective Nature of Memory Explored by Ian McEwan and in Biology?” Ps...