Exploring The Metaphorical Significance Of The Pandemic In Geraldine Brooks' "Year Of Wonders"

Abstract

This paper explores the text of Geraldine Brooks' novel Year of Wonders and how the bubonic plague is used as a multidimensional metaphor. Set in the small English town of Eyam in 1666, the novel uses the plague to explore themes of terror, social collapse, isolation, purification, and rejuvenation. The research magnifies how Brooks uses these metaphors to illustrate the significant psychological and social repercussions of the pandemic, giving insights into human resilience and the capacity for transformation in the face of disaster.
The study investigates how the novel reflects both historical and contemporary concerns, emphasizing the themes' significance in the context of current crises such as the COVID-19 epidemic. Finally, the study contends that the Year of Wonders is a timeless exploration of the human capacity for endurance and rejuvenation.