“Curiouser and Curiouser”: Part VIII

The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner – James Hogg

Having recently studied this novel, I find myself fascinated by the uncanny and Gothic themes explored in it.

The unusual narrative structure encompasses deeply unreliable narratives, questionable perspectives and interesting hints from Hogg. The inclusion of himself as a character towards the end of the novel adds further confusion, breaking down the walls between the fictional world and reality.

The Editor’s narrative, removed in time and place from the memoir of Robert Wringham, bookends the memoir influencing the way it is read. I am considering rereading the novel beginning with the memoir to see how it affects the overall story. The inaccuracies respecting the passing of time are revealed as dates in each narrative do not match up. This questions whether the Editor has misinterpreted the memoirs and events in his research of the historical events or, whether Robert’s awareness of time is warped through illness or the actions of Gil-Martin.

The uncanny Gil-Martin explores ideas of the double and identity. His ability to imitate the appearance of others questions the security of one’s identity in combination with supernatural forces. The fear and anxiety this brings when he replicates the appearance of characters following their deaths, the sinister nature of his actions advances. The power Gil-Martin has over Robert, influencing him to commit murder in the name of religion, increases and leads to his downfall. It must also be considered that Gil-Martin is never explained. Is he a demon or a vision of Robert’s imagination? The unreliable narrative results in these questions being left unanswered, along with many more.

So why am I discussing this in detail? I think this novel would be an interesting addition to my dissertation. Robert’s behaviour appears hysterical in both the Editor’s narrative and Robert’s memoirs. The Gothic themes explored through the double, religion and death further enhance and question the nature of the entire novel.

This is something I will explore further in my research.