Representations Of Plagues And Pandemics In Literature: A Critical Study

Abstract

The paper contextualises the role of literature in pandemics to seek a nuanced understanding of literature and its functions in the changing paradigms of the world enmeshed in humanitarian crises. In the annals of literary history, there have been poets, novelists, dramatists belonging to different countries, cultures and different times, reacted to pandemics through the literary lenses chronicling the horrible times and harrowing circumstances that fell upon humanity. The world, even after such a long time since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the availability of vaccines; shows no signs of returning to normality; the impact is so unprecedented and immeasurable, and only literary works manifesting pandemics can tap into the trauma and losses incurred by the people all over the world. Thus, the study of literature involving pandemics in such uncertain times becomes inevitable and necessitates a humane understanding of the
works under scrutiny. The study involves analysis of literary works documenting the impact of pandemics on social, psychological, educational and cultural spheres in terms of people's responses to the epidemics, the methods adopted for their survival, and
techniques they followed to manage their pain and trauma due to the pandemics. The paper circumscribes itself to, for its study, select works, which essentially have a theme of pandemics and reflect on the issues: Trauma, catastrophe, loss of lives, and ensuing psychological ordeals.