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Memory of/to the Other: The Becoming of the Narrative Self in Paul Auster’s Invention of Solitude
Resource
中外文學, 42(2), 065-099
Journal
中外文學
Journal Volume
42
Journal Issue
2
Pages
065-099
Date Issued
2013-06
Date
2013-06
Author(s)
Shih, E.H.
Abstract
The relation between memory and the self is always the main concern in
memory studies. Usually, it is believed that the self is able to summon up past
experiences into the present through recollection. By recalling his memories,
the self has an opportunity to examine and reflect on his life, and the self can
maintain his integrity at the same time. Autobiography is one of the narrative
forms that can best display the representational relationship between memory
and the self. However, Bergson’s notion of “pure memory” and Deleuze’s insight
of the subject as a “becoming” negate the representability of memory
by the self. In fact, the self functions as a passage or a singular point through
which memory is actualized into the present. Based on Bergson’s and Deleuze’s
views, this paper aims to revisit Paul Auster’s first autobiography, The Invention
of Solitude, to explore how the autobiographical self transforms from a cogitolike
self into a nomadic/becoming self via recollection.
memory studies. Usually, it is believed that the self is able to summon up past
experiences into the present through recollection. By recalling his memories,
the self has an opportunity to examine and reflect on his life, and the self can
maintain his integrity at the same time. Autobiography is one of the narrative
forms that can best display the representational relationship between memory
and the self. However, Bergson’s notion of “pure memory” and Deleuze’s insight
of the subject as a “becoming” negate the representability of memory
by the self. In fact, the self functions as a passage or a singular point through
which memory is actualized into the present. Based on Bergson’s and Deleuze’s
views, this paper aims to revisit Paul Auster’s first autobiography, The Invention
of Solitude, to explore how the autobiographical self transforms from a cogitolike
self into a nomadic/becoming self via recollection.
Subjects
記憶,回憶,德勒茲,柏格森,生成主體
memory, recollection, becoming, Bergson, Deleuze
Type
journal article