Abstract

This research article examines "Before I Go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson from a neuro-literary perspective, focusing on its exploration of anterograde amnesia and its intricate depiction of the interplay between memory and identity. By analyzing the protagonist, Christine's, profound struggle with retaining new memories, the study aims to illuminate the broader implications of memory impairment on the construction of self and personal autonomy. Incorporating insights from psychology, neuroethics, feminist theory, and technology studies, the article evaluates the ethical considerations of portraying neurological conditions in fiction, the narrative's impact on public understanding of such conditions, and its contribution to the neuro-literature genre. The novel's portrayal is critiqued for both its scientific accuracy and its narrative techniques, which invite reader empathy and challenge societal preconceptions about cognitive disorders. This study underscores "Before I Go to Sleep" as a pivotal work that bridges literary creativity with neuroscientific inquiry, fostering a nuanced understanding of cognitive impairments, and highlighting the power of fiction to explore and humanize complex neurological phenomena. The analysis further discusses the novel’s cultural and philosophical implications, emphasizing its role in advancing discussions on memory, identity, and the ethics of care in cognitive impairment.

Description