An Epidemic of Oblivion: Valeriy Shevchuk’s Novel “The Plague”

Abstract

The article concerns the novel The Plague (1989) by Valeriy Shevchuk, in which the author explores the motif of epidemic. In the novel, the epidemic is a metaphor for the lack of historical and cultural memory caused by an oppressive political system. Presented as a form of cultural and national amnesia, it serves as background for reflection on the post-totalitarian heritage of contemporary Ukrainian society. Valeriy Shevchuk’s novel is based on historical documents, but it is not a work of literary realism, but rather a kind of morality play that deals with universal issues.