Question #2: Memory

[[deleted user]]

Munro seems to meditate on the theme of memory in many of her stories. What meaning did you take away from these stories of memory?

[Ashley]

This whole collection had the sense of a reminiscence to me - that each story was a memory - and even within those stories there were characters falling into and drawing from memories. The theme of time and memory was so deep and multi-leveled. Munro is most explicit with this theme (in my opinion) in the story "In Sight of the Lake." However my favourite meditation on memory is "Gravel."

[Susan]

The story called "Dolly" also centres on memory. Franklin's poem about his relationship with Dolly is a recorded memory. When they meet many years later, the narrator almost destroys her own relationship with Franklin because she thinks the memory of Dolly's and Frank's affair will be too hard for them to resist a reunion. I think the lesson in this story is that while memories and past experiences can be powerful, we shouldn't let them diminish what we have built in our present life.

[Ashley]

Susan wrote: "The story called "Dolly" also centres on memory. Franklin's poem about his relationship with Dolly is a recorded memory. When they meet many years later, the narrator almost destroys her own relati..."

I think that is a very apt meaning to take away, Susan.

I also think that Munro's stories tell us that memory can also fool us. That you can distort and manipulate memories, or be manipulated by them. I think "Gravel" and "In Sight of the Lake" are good examples of how memory is not a simple construct. In "Gravel," the narrator seems to be battling with feelings of confusion and guilt which are clouding her memory. Did she fail to act? Was she looking for attention? Is she responsible? We can only know what she tells us, and she is in control of her "memory."
While in contrast, in "In Sight of the Lake," we discover that memory is a prison for the narrator. Throughout the story there is a sense of palpable worry or anxiety. Munro creates the feeling of being lost and trapped. This is a metaphor for memory in old age.

[Susan]

Ashley wrote: "Susan wrote: "The story called "Dolly" also centres on memory. Franklin's poem about his relationship with Dolly is a recorded memory. When they meet many years later, the narrator almost destroys ..."
The narrator's doubts and concerns in "Gravel" are so typical of survivors in a tragedy. Given that she was young when her sister died, her memories would be even sketchier than if the event had happened later in life. All the questions you listed that the narrator must have had are so heartbreaking and haunting.