Exploring Collective Memory in Sarnath Banerjee's "Corridor"

Abstract

Sarnath Banerjee's graphic novel, "Corridor," explores the interplay between collective memory and its defining characteristics within the pages of the novel. The author of this book employs a unique visual narrative to explore the involutions of collective consciousness that characterize a society in transition against the backdrop of postcolonial India, a country in transition in terms of cultural shifts, and historical echoes. An analysis has been conducted into how Banerjee efficaciously portrays and engages with the collective memories of the depicted people by utilizing visual elements, character dynamics, and storytelling techniques that they employ throughout the piece. The article examines how the story of the "Corridor" intersects with historical events, assembling personal narratives with broader historical contexts in a manner that draws upon critical reception and scholarly interpretations. A key objective of this article is to offer a nuanced perspective on the postcolonial experience in India through examining the characters as carriers of memory and visual storytelling as a way to recollect. It seeks to explore Banerjee's work to gain a deeper understanding of how it navigates the intricate terrain of collective memory.