History and Memory Essay

MODULE C – History and Memory
The Fiftieth Gate by Mark Baker suggests that a combination of history and memory is essential in making meaning, i.e. in shaping perceptions of the world around us. How does baker represent this combination to create meaning?

History can be viewed as a sequential series of indisputable events, whereas memory is of such events that are highly subjective, and affect the way in which they are perceived. The link between history and memory and the way it shapes the world around us, is a component of past and present. We are shown this throughout the prescribed text, The Fiftieth Gate, where through bakers quest we see the past continually impacting on the present, as the memories of the past affect those who …show more content…
The need for factual evidence and validation is also seen in the text, Zero Hour- Disaster at Chernobyl a channel seven documentary on the calamity which occurred on April 26th 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station. This event was a major historical incident which had vast implications after the day the disaster took place. The documentary depicts the history of that event and retells the story through reenactment and through the memories of those who have, and still are enduring it. Both history and memory are key in retelling a true representation of the event.

The director, Richard Doyalson utilizes a variety of techniques to represent the integral interweaving of history and memory. Memory is represented by the recollections of those who survived the traumatic event, “the sight of my dead friends, their faces burnt by the radiation, amongst the rubble, I will never forget”. The description and expression of emotion assists in creating a third dimension of memory, as it adds emotion and personal experience. The responder is clearly aware that even though the disaster was years ago, the event still affects survivors, both physically and mentally,

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