Apply at least one of the critical approaches introduced in this week's lecture (reader-response/viewer-response, psychoanalytic, or historical criticism), to "Memento Mori" and Memento.

How might these approaches help us make sense of this story and its film adaptation?

To analyze "Memento Mori" and its film adaptation "Memento" using one of the critical approaches introduced in this week's lecture, let's consider the psychoanalytic approach. This approach explores the unconscious mind and its impact on an individual's behavior and experiences.

1. Psychoanalytic Approach:
The psychoanalytic approach, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, delves into the unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts that shape human psychology. It can be applied to "Memento Mori" and "Memento" to uncover hidden meanings and motivations within the story and characters. Here's how you can use this approach:

a) Analyzing Characters:
Using a psychoanalytic lens, you can examine the characters' motivations and behaviors. For example, in "Memento Mori," you might explore how the main character's quest for revenge is driven by repressed emotions or unresolved traumas from his past. In "Memento," you could explore the protagonist's fragmented memory, attempting to understand the deeper psychological reasons for his inability to form new memories.

b) Symbolism and Imagery:
Psychoanalysis often focuses on symbolism and imagery as gateways to the unconscious. In both "Memento Mori" and "Memento," you can analyze the use of recurring symbols or images that may hold deeper psychological significance. For instance, in "Memento Mori," you might consider the significance of the photographs that bring back memories, exploring how they represent the character's attempt to anchor himself in reality. In "Memento," you could analyze the significance of the tattoos or Polaroids in relation to memory and the protagonist's journey.

c) Unconscious Conflicts:
The psychoanalytic approach also emphasizes the presence of unconscious conflicts that influence character behavior. You can apply this perspective to both works by examining the protagonist's internal struggles, fears, and desires. For example, in "Memento Mori," you might explore the character's subconscious resistance to accepting or facing the truth about his own actions. In "Memento," you could analyze the protagonist's possible unconscious guilt or fear driving his quest for justice.

By using the psychoanalytic approach, you can delve into the psychological depths of the characters and the narratives, understanding how unconscious forces shape their actions and experiences. This analysis sheds light on the underlying meanings and complexities of "Memento Mori" and "Memento" beyond their surface narratives.