A Quest for Remembrance

Exploring the underworld's role in literature, A Quest for Remembrance examines memory's connections through ancient and modern narratives.

In A Quest for Remembrance, a diverse range of arguments is presented, exploring the intricate connections between the descent into the underworld, known as katabasis, and various forms of memory. The chapters delve into how this descent topos has been utilized in both ancient literature and its reception from the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries. Through this exploration, the book reveals how a hero's journey into the underworld often intertwines with themes of recovering memories and understanding the past.

Moreover, A Quest for Remembrance emphasizes the narrative format itself, which addresses various forms of commemoration. This includes trans-cultural memory, the literary and intellectual canon, and the remembrance of significant historical events that risk being forgotten. By examining this duality, the collection seeks to establish the descent narrative as a distinct literary genre, referred to as a 'memorious genre.' This genre is related to but separate from traditional quest narratives, highlighting a unique perspective on storytelling and memory.

Ultimately, the book invites readers to consider how the descent into the underworld serves not only as a physical journey but also as a metaphorical exploration of memory and commemoration. It challenges conventional understandings of both literary genres and the act of remembering, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in literature and memory's intricate relationship.