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An Analysis Of Tobias Wolff's A Bullet In The Brain

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An Appreciation for Time Memories make up who people are. Whether they be good or bad, these events shape the very being of mankind. It is, however, what memories that stick to the mind that speak a thousand words to who the person is. The concept of memory is discussed in the words of Tobias Wolff in his short story “A Bullet in The Brain”. Wolff writes of Anders, a book critic turned misanthropist through being consumed by his trade. In this essay I argue that Wolfe is using the concept memory to interpret the idea of time wasting away through the detachment of wonder. The story contradicts what people consider to be normal memories. To many, a normal memory is something that happens with friends and family. Something that is extremely heartfelt. The memories that are reflected upon in the story are very random and can across as odd. Wolff chooses to ignore common memories to really emphasize the meaning behind the story. …show more content…

What he is able to remember is a small memory that seems irrelevant at first glance. He speaks very in depth of that summer day where Coyle’s Cousin made a grammatical error. The over explained beauty of what seems to be just a summer’s day is to shape who Anders used to be. Before his career overtook his sense of wonder, he enjoyed paying attention to the little things. Wolff says “But for now Anders can still make time. Time for the shadows to lengthen on the grass, time for the tethered dog to bark at the flying ball, time for the boy in right field to smack his sweat-blackened mitt and softly chant, they is they is they is” (Wolff). The imagery in the memory provides the reader with the genuine happiness that Anders was able to feel. It was only at that point in that story where the character of Anders is placed in peaceful state. It seems like it was the last moment where his character truly felt this

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