Medieval Allusions in Michel Houellebecq’s Annihilation

Abstract

The article identifies and analyzes a number of medieval allusions in the novel by French writer Michel Houellebecq Annihilation (2022). It is noted that the work is based on the interaction of genre principles – a political thriller and a family novel, the studied allusive subtext with varying degrees of intensity participates in the development of both. The plot is based on the history of the Reason family, the meaningful context of the images of each of its members contains references to the Middle Ages, which actualize the ideas of serving the state and the need to protect its national and cultural identity. It is concluded that through the images of heroes incapable of active action, the writer expresses pessimistic ideas about the future of European civilization.