<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>This study concentrates on memory in Michael Ondaatje’s <italic>Running in the Family</italic> because it is the foundation for the whole novel. Ondaatje’s attempt creates a relationship with the past by performing all acts of the journey in physical and imaginary performances of listening and reproducing. His attempt depends on his own memory; however, his memory does not coincide with stories he has heard, and the historical documents tend to conflict with each other. In the interior of his travels, Ondaatje reveals the extent of his isolation and the impact of his displacement. As he narrates the stories, he faces difficulties in distinguishing between rumors and lies, in organizing fragments of knowledge, and in explaining challenges tied to his methods of cultural revival. These challenges are met in the non-linear and sometimes stunning text plans which he uses.</p>
</abstract>

This study concentrates on memory in Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family because it is the foundation for the whole novel. Ondaatje’s attempt creates a relationship with the past by performing all acts of the journey in physical and imaginary performances of listening and reproducing. His attempt depends on his own memory; however, his memory does not coincide with stories he has heard, and the historical documents tend to conflict with each other. In the interior of his travels, Ondaatje reveals the extent of his isolation and the impact of his displacement. As he narrates the stories, he faces difficulties in distinguishing between rumors and lies, in organizing fragments of knowledge, and in explaining challenges tied to his methods of cultural revival. These challenges are met in the non-linear and sometimes stunning text plans which he uses.

The temporary return to the homeland in Michael Ondaatje’s <italic>Running in the Family</italic>

Journal of Language and Cultural Education

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The temporary return to the homeland in Michael Ondaatje’s 

This study concentrates on memory in Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family because it is the foundation for the whole novel. Ondaatje’s attempt creates a...

The temporary return to the homeland in Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family

Published Online: Jun 17, 2021

Page range: 157 - 169

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2020-0027

Keywords
memory, the self, belonging, past, isolation, homeland

© 2020 Ahmed Joudar, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The temporary return to the homeland in Michael Ondaatje’s Running in the Family

Published Online: Jun 17, 2021

Page range: 157 - 169

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2020-0027

Keywordsmemory, the self, belonging, past, isolation, homeland

© 2020 Ahmed Joudar, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
memory, the self, belonging, past, isolation, homeland