真实的消逝与“原版”的溃败——《英格兰,英格兰》中的记忆、历史与身份认同

Memory,History and Identity Crisis in England,England

英国作家朱利安·巴恩斯的长篇历史幻想小说《英格兰,英格兰》以“英格兰,英格兰”主题公园的设计规划与成功运营为主要内容,贯穿其间的是“原版”英格兰的日渐凋零和女主人公玛莎不断追寻自我与幸福,却始终失落迷惘的一生。在这个个人与民族命运交织的故事中,巴恩斯质疑了记忆与历史的真实性与准确性,并深切关注由此导致的个人与民族两个层面的身份认同危机。

Julian Barnes’s England,England focuses on the conception,development and successful operation of“England,England”,a theme park based upon the well-replicated English landmarks and traditions.The story lines going through the main plot are the downfall of“original”England and the heroine Martha’s life-time pursuit of self-identity and wellbeing saturated with loss and frustration.In such a story where personal fate is interwoven with that of the nation,Julian Barnes questions the authenticity and accuracy of memory and history,conveying his concern about the consequent identity crisis at both personal and collective levels.