Literary Analysis Of Brain Jack By Brian Falkner

One’s memories are everything. An individual that lacks unique memories drifts through existence without a sense of direction. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of one’s memories still remains constant. In many literary works, several notable narrators expose this often overlooked susceptible side of memories. In Brian Falkner’s, Brain Jack, the author illustrates the possible aftermath when a being is able to alter certain character defining memories of an individual. Set in a cyber based New York, Brain Jack conveys the virtually spawned life of computer extraordinaire Sam Wilson. In the novel, Brian Falkner narrates the adventure that arises when the mind itself is linked to a computer system using the mind alternating prowess of the Neuroheadset.

Prior to witnessing the mind altering power of the Neuroheadset victimize his confidant, Tyler, Dodge realizes how distinct an individual would be if their memories were seized and even slightly modified. On chapter 27, Dodge reveals, “We are our memories. That’s all we are. That’s what makes us the person we are. The sum of all our memories from the day we were born. If you took a person and replaced his set of memories with another set, he’d be a different person. He’d think, act, and feel things differently.” (Falkner, 187). This previously quoted text illustrates Dodge’s evaluation of one’s value as an individual in distinction from his interpersonal and social roles. Reminiscently, Dodge recalls precious memories he had shared with his family before attaining his life consuming programming career. During recollection, Dodge wonders, “It was a staggering thought. What if nothing that had gone before had never really happened? Was the person he remembered as his mother real?”

Shortly after witnessing Dodge nearly fall under the mental possessiveness of the Neuroheadset, Sam contemplates the fine line between memory and reality when he ponders,

“How do we know if anything is real? Everything I know is a memory. Every person I have ever met, everything I have ever done. It could all be false. Implanted.” (188). This passage exemplifies Sam’s realization of how distinct an individual would be become if their memories were replaced. They would act differently and their values and beliefs could be completely reversed. As the colleagues exchanged anxiously their thoughts, Sam mentally states,

“Perhaps that was good. Because if he stopped and took the time to think too deeply, dark thoughts started to intrude.” (188). When dystopic thoughts begin to surface, Sam quickly realizes that some memories are malicious, and in turn, would produce malicious personas. As the plot approaches its rising action, Sam’s thoughts about the alteration of one’s memories reveal how powerful a being that could implant false memories would