Now That We Had A Name, Some Of The Fragmented Pieces Began

Now That We Had A Name Some Of The Fragmented Pieces Began To Fall To

The theme of memory and identity is central to understanding who we are and how we perceive ourselves. Throughout life, memories shape our sense of self, but sometimes, these memories become fragmented or lost, leading to a sense of disconnection or even loss of identity. In this essay, I will explore how memory influences identity by analyzing passages from select course readings and the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I aim to illustrate how our sense of self is intertwined with memories, and how sometimes, these memories can be erased or distorted, affecting our understanding of who we are.

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Memory is the foundation of identity. It creates a narrative of our lives, helping us make sense of past experiences and guiding future actions. Gloria Anzaldúa emphasizes the importance of recognizing our fragmented pieces, suggesting that when we name and acknowledge our parts, they begin to come together, forming a cohesive self. She writes, “Now that we had a name, some of the fragmented pieces began to fall together—who we were, what we were, how we had evolved” (Anzaldúa). This idea resonates with the notion that identity is a process of assembling these pieces, often through reflection and acknowledgment. Anzaldúa’s perspective reminds us that our identities are dynamic rather than fixed, constantly evolving as we recognize and accept our different parts.

Oliver Sacks further explores this concept by illustrating how loss impacts our perception of self. He states, “If a man has lost a leg or an eye, he knows he has lost a leg or an eye; but if he has lost a self—himself—he cannot know it, because he is no longer there to know it” (Sacks). This passage suggests that the loss of memory or the self can be so profound that the individual may feel disconnected from their own identity. Sacks' clinical tales demonstrate that memory is an essential aspect of our identity; without it, our sense of who we are diminishes or disappears altogether. The loss of memories can cause a person to become fragmented internally, creating a crisis of self-awareness.

The film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind visualizes this fragile relationship between memory and identity through the erasure of memories of a past relationship. In one scene, Joel and Clementine discuss the decision to erase their memories of each other, but as the process unfolds, Joel begins to realize how integral these memories are to his identity. A key dialogue states, “I can't see anything that I don't like about myself” (Gondry, 2004), which captures the idea that even painful memories are part of what makes us who we are. By trying to forget the pain, we also risk losing the parts of ourselves connected to those experiences. The film illustrates that erasing memories might provide temporary relief but ultimately threatens to erase essential aspects of our identity.

Maxine Hong Kingston’s “No Name Woman” also explores the theme of memory and identity through storytelling. She recounts her aunt’s mysterious life, emphasizing how stories shape personal and collective identities. Kingston notes, “Stories are the way we connect with the past and understand our place in the world” (Kingston). Her narrative shows that memory, as preserved through stories, is vital for maintaining a sense of self and community. The act of remembering or forgetting influences how we see ourselves and our heritage, reinforcing that identity is often rooted in collective memory.

Similarly, James Baldwin’s “Notes of a Native Son” examines how personal and collective histories impact individual identity, especially within the context of racial injustice. Baldwin reflects, “The past is never dead; it’s not even past,” emphasizing that memories of oppression and struggle continue to shape the present self (Baldwin). These collective memories contribute to a broader understanding of identity, reminding us that who we are is also a product of historical experiences that are often difficult to confront but essential to acknowledge.

In conclusion, memories—whether they are personal, collective, painful, or joyous—play a crucial role in shaping our identity. Literature and film demonstrate that losing or altering these memories can lead to a fragmented or diminished sense of self, highlighting the importance of embracing all parts of our past. As Anzaldúa, Sacks, and the creators of Eternal Sunshine illustrate, our identities are continuously constructed through the memories we hold, and they are vital for our understanding of who we are and who we might become. Preserving and reflecting on our memories allows us to piece together the fragments of ourselves, creating a coherent narrative amid life's inevitable changes.

References

• Anzaldúa, Gloria. “How to Tame a Wild Tongue.”
• Baldwin, James. “Notes of a Native Son.”
• Gondry, Michel, director. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Focus Features, 2004.
• Kingston, Maxine Hong. “No Name Woman.”
• Sacks, Oliver. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales. Simon & Schuster, 1970.
• Sedaris, David. “Me Talk Pretty One Day.”
• Additional scholarly sources on memory and identity to support arguments.