The Motif of Memory in Classical and Modern Literature

Abstract

The motif of memory plays a significant role in literary studies, as it reflects how individuals and societies interpret the past. This paper’s aim is to identify the transformation of the motif of memory in classical and modern literature, focusing on its narrative, psychological, and cultural directions. While classical literature often presents memory as stable and collective, modern literature depicts it as subjective, fragmented, and unreliable. Drawing on contemporary literary theory and recent scholarly works, this study demonstrates that the motif of memory is essential for understanding identity, narrative structure, and cultural change.