بهمن زرین جویی

This research applies an interdisciplinary method of discussion to read George Martin’s A Game of Thrones, an epic fantasy, under the light of Nancy Katherine Hayles’ theories concerning modern laws of physics and literature. The plot of the novel has prominent intricacy with vulnerability and flightiness of its storyline and characters which remains open to abundant literary interpretations. This article uses thermodynamics to refer to a type of physics concerned with temperature and heat, and their link to energy, entropy and the physical qualities of radiation and matter. The conduct of these quantities is ruled by thermodynamic laws that transfer a perceptible description utilizing quantifiable macroscopic physical features. This research traces them within the system of Westeros, a fictitious continent enduring countless tensions and wars, in which entropy is manifested metaphorically. Martin shows how thermodynamics and entropy function and bring chaos, and bases his fantasy on the violation of scientific laws to epitomize the ontology of physics and give meaning to his imaginary world. Regarding this, the researchers show and conclude how Martin interplays physics and literature to decipher the reality of this chaotic world and propose a realistic framework to see the mechanism of universe in fantasy and reality.

Leslie Marmon Silko, an American Indian writer, is one of the pioneers of literary renaissance in Native American literature. Her works are focused on cultural identity, the Native people’s struggle to preserve their past and culture by means of storytelling. This article focuses on Silko’s fictional world as both fiction and history. Moreover, it deals with the cultural trauma ingrained in the Indigenous people’s collective memories, which have shaped Silko’s imagined geography in her works. Regarding the theoretical axis of discussions concerning history, historiography and emplotment of history, this article uses theories of Hayden White to explore the place of historiography in narrative. Furthermore, it applies the critical arguments concerning cultural trauma proposed by Jeffrey C. Alexander. The research proves that Silko and her characters are haunted not by the desire for history, or the past itself; but rather, they are haunted by the desire for the act of historical recollection and the process of remembering and surviving. Finally, this article shows that Silko, as a historical figure with certain literary-historiographical ambitions, reconstructs her cultural heritage and cultural identity through storytelling and fictionalizes history to give voice to her silenced land, past and history, and dismantle the dominant Euro-American historiography.