Abstract
This paper delves into the nuanced representations of time in McEwan’s Machines Like Me and Amis’ Time’s Arrow, two novels that employ unconventional narrative structures to explore the complexities of temporal experiences. McEwan and Amis weave intricate tales that challenge traditional notions of time, inviting readers to contemplate the profound implications of temporal constructs on human existence. In Machines Like Me, McEwan introduces a speculative vision of an alternate history where artificial intelligence blurs the boundaries between humanity and technology. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a divergent 1980s, questioning the moral and ethical implications of creating intelligent machines. On the other hand, Amis’ Time’s Arrow presents a unique exploration of time by narrating the life of a German doctor in reverse chronological order – from death to birth. Amis ingeniously employs this temporal inversion to dissect the moral consequences of the Holocaust, challenging readers to grapple with the implications of witnessing events in reverse. By subverting the conventional flow of time, Amis prompts a reconsideration of cause and effect, highlighting the fragility of moral certainties and the fluidity of temporal experiences. This analysis scrutinizes how both writers utilize unconventional narrative structures to underscore the malleability of time and its profound impact on human perception. By juxtaposing the temporal experimentation in these novels, this paper aims to shed light on the authors’ distinct approaches to challenging the conventional understanding of time, offering readers a journey into the complexities of temporal constructs and their implications for the human experience.
Presenters
Marilena SaracinoAggregate Professor of English Language and Literature, Department of Management and Business Administration, University, Pescara, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Unconventional narrative structures, Temporal experiences, Moral and ethical implications
