Mapping Narrative Space and Memory in Rohinton Mistry’s “Swimming Lessons”

Peer-Reviewed
The Criterion

The Criterion: An International Journal in English ISSN: 0976-8165

Open Access

Indian Literature

Mapping Narrative Space and Memory in Rohinton Mistry’s “Swimming Lessons”

Dr. D. Nagarani
Volume / Issue
Vol. 17, Issue 1 · February 2026

Pages
253-265

Article ID
2026V17N1074

Abstract

Narrative space has always played a pivotal role in the arena of Indian English Literature. It includes the shaping of stories and characters, as well as fictional and real spaces, through a web of narrative patterns. In this context, this paper reflects on the role played by narrative space through a rereading of Rohinton Mistry’s short story “Swimming Lessons.” Firstly, it examines the concept of a “travel through memory” and explores how memory functions as a significant component of narrative. Secondly, it discusses the hidden dual cultural spaces that remain metaphorically dormant within the narrative. Finally, the paper analyses Mistry’s narrative endeavour to map Parsi cultural space and the painful recollections of the immigrant experience.

Keywords

NarrativeSpaceMemoryTravel

Article History

Received
27-01-2026
Accepted
21 February 2026
Published Online
3 February 2026

How to Cite

Dr. D. Nagarani. “Mapping Narrative Space and Memory in Rohinton Mistry’s “Swimming Lessons”.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 253-265. ISSN: 0976-8165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n1.19

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