Study on Neuroscience and Memory in E.L. Doctorow’s Andrew’s Brain

Abstract

This study aims to apply neuroscience research on memory to analyze E.L. Doctorow’s contemporary novel, Andrew’s Brain. Drawing upon insights from neuroscience, particularly Veronica O’Keane’s “The Rag and Bone Shop: How We Make Memories And Memories Make Us,” the essay delves into the central motif of memory in literature, such as Marcel’s poignant recollection of his grandmother triggered by a madeleine cake. Veronica O’Keane’s exploration of memory function through neuroscience elucidates how sensory stimuli activate memory in the brain, with numerous literary references providing context. In Andrew’s Brain, the protagonist Andrew, a cognitive scientist, undergoes a confession to Doc, a psychiatrist, revealing his struggles with memory and consciousness. However, as an unreliable narrator, Andrew’s confession is deceptive. This essay seeks to dissect Andrew’s confession, examining his confused memory and psychiatric issues through the lens of brain science. Additionally, it delves into the concept of collective memory and its political implications, particularly focusing on the novel’s satire. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the study aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between neuroscience, literature, and societal commentary found within Andrew’s Brain.