The Most Secret Memory of Men
The article you linked to is about the novel "The Most Secret Memory of Men" by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr. The novel won the Prix Goncourt, which is one of the most prestigious literary prizes in France.
The article mentions a literary tradition that is relevant to the sources of story lines in world literature in general and Sophocles' Oedipus Rex in particular. This tradition is the use of myth as a source of inspiration for literature.
Myths are stories that have been passed down through oral tradition for centuries. They often deal with themes of good vs. evil, love vs. hate, and the relationship between humans and the gods.
Sophocles' Oedipus Rex is a classic example of a myth that has been adapted into literature. The play tells the story of Oedipus, a king who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. The play explores the themes of fate, guilt, and the destructive power of knowledge.
The article also mentions that Mr. Sarr found inspiration for his novel in the oral tradition of Senegal. Sarr grew up listening to stories told by his grandmother and other elders in his community. These stories often dealt with themes of history, culture, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Sarr's novel "The Most Secret Memory of Men" is a modern retelling of a myth from the oral tradition of Senegal. The novel tells the story of a young Senegalese writer who travels to Paris in search of a lost novel by a fictional African author. The novel explores the themes of colonialism, identity, and the power of literature.
I do not have any personal experiences that are similar to the ones described in the article. However, I have read many stories that draw on the oral tradition. These stories have often given me a glimpse of the past and helped me to understand different cultures.
I think that the use of myth and oral tradition in literature is a powerful way to connect with readers. These stories can transport us to another time and place, and they can help us to understand the human condition.