Time is both a systematic and abstract concept, in the literal sense it is the measurement of chronological progression using an accepted numerical system of units, however, time can also be a conceptual and subjective concept as it often depends on the relative perception of those observing it (Layzer, 1975: 56). Time can, therefore, be viewed as both and empirical scale as well as a dynamic interpretation or understanding of progress. By systematically distorting time in Time’s Arrow, Martin Amis explores the relationship between these two categories of time. In doing so, Amis considers how perceptions of time are linked to a narrative and
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Although it appears that Amis views the Holocaust as narrative that should endlessly be retold, the distortion of time also demonstrates how the fabrication of historical narratives are able to shape individuals’ understandings, knowledge and perceptions of historical events. As mentioned before, the narrator of the novel inaccurately describes events, such as altruistically depicting the on goings in Auschwitz, however, it is up to the reader to adequately interpret the proceedings. The readers are confronted with widely known historical event, which is plainly distorted, as well as appropriate tools to undo and decipher the distortions. They are, therefore, encouraged to question the process of constructing not only Time’s Arrow, but also of historical narratives in general. Amis uses the distortion of time to reveal how perceptions as well as an individual’s sense of morality can easily be altered or skewed depending on how a historical narrative narrates and depicts the past (Berdichevsky, 2011:
Although it appears that Amis views the Holocaust as narrative that should endlessly be retold, the distortion of time also demonstrates how the fabrication of historical narratives are able to shape individuals’ understandings, knowledge and perceptions of historical events. As mentioned before, the narrator of the novel inaccurately describes events, such as altruistically depicting the on goings in Auschwitz, however, it is up to the reader to adequately interpret the proceedings. The readers are confronted with widely known historical event, which is plainly distorted, as well as appropriate tools to undo and decipher the distortions. They are, therefore, encouraged to question the process of constructing not only Time’s Arrow, but also of historical narratives in general. Amis uses the distortion of time to reveal how perceptions as well as an individual’s sense of morality can easily be altered or skewed depending on how a historical narrative narrates and depicts the past (Berdichevsky, 2011: