THE SENSE OF AN ENDING AND PIRANESI

1. Discuss the ways in which both texts deal with the importance of memory in
shaping individual identity. Please compare and contrast how this is explored in
each novel, do not analyse each text separately.

Memory plays a central role in shaping individual identity, influencing how people
perceive themselves and their pasts. Both Julian Barnes’ The Sense of an Ending and
Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi explore the theme of memory, even though they do so in
different narrative frameworks. This essay examines how both novels deal with the
importance of memory in shaping individual identity, comparing and contrasting their
approaches to the topic.
In both novels, memory is portrayed as a construct that influences individual
identity significantly. However, the nature and origin of these constructs differ deeply
between the two works. In The Sense of an Ending, Tony Webster’s memories are very
subjective, often unreliable, and influenced by his preconceptions and desires. Tony’s
recollections of his youth, his friendships, and his relationships are initially presented as
definitive, but when new information arrives or emerges, the unreliability of his
memory becomes apparent. When he revisits the past and recalls information he
previously didn’t take into account, he changes the outcome and changes his identity
along with the narrative of his memory. As his identity is built upon these inaccurate
memories is then an unstable identity subject to change along the novel. As Tony
reflects, “What you end up remembering isn’t always the same as what you have
witnessed” (Barnes, p.67)
Similarly, in Piranesi, the protagonist’s memory is a crucial element to form his identity.
However, unlike Tony Webster, whose memories are selective and distorted, Piranesi’s
memories are repressed and fragmented. Piranesi is living in a Labyrinth full of statues
that expands alongside the reading of the novel; the protagonist uses journals to record
his observations and relies on these journals to keep track of his memory. These journals
serve as a physical representation of his memory and help him maintain a sense of
reliability and continuity in a chaotic environment, while the house serves as a
representation of the complexity of memory itself portrayed as a mysterious, vast house
with infinite halls, As Piranesi says “The beauty of the House is immeasurable; its
Kindness infinite”. (Clarke, p.12), Highlighting how the environment shapes his
constructed memory and his sense of identity.
Both novels emphasize the subjectivity of memory and its impact on identity.
Tony's journey in The Sense of an Ending demonstrates how personal narratives are
shaped by selective memory. He remembers events in a way that absolves him of guilt
and responsibility, creating a comfortable but ultimately false image of himself. After
receiving a letter from the mother of his ex-girlfriend Veronica informing him of the
will, Tony is faced with discrepancies between his memories and the new evidence he
discovers. This confrontation leads to a reassessment of his character as he realizes how
much he has misremembered and misinterpreted of his past. Piranesi also explores the
subjectivity of memory, but in a different way. The protagonist's personality is formed
by fragments and incomplete memories. As Piranesi discovers clues of his past, he
begins to piece together different understandings of himself and his place in the world.
He explains that the process of remembering and discovering lost memories is
confusing and transformative, emphasizing how fluid and constantly evolving identity
is. Piranesi's diary, which records his daily life and observations, serves as a means of
establishing his identity within the changing and uncertain landscape of the House. The
reliability of memory is another key theme in both novels. In The Sense of an Ending,
Tony's unreliable memory is a central aspect of the story. The novel shows how
memories can be distorted, repressed, and reinterpreted over time, affecting how people
understand their past and present. Tony's initial confidence in his memories is
undermined as he revisits the past and discovers unfilled gaps and inaccuracies in his
memories. These insecurities cause Tony to question his self-perception and the
narrative he has constructed about his life. In Piranesi, the protagonist's memory is also
unreliable, but in a different sense. Piranesi's fragmented and repressed memories create
a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. His diary, which he relies on to preserve his
memories, plays an important role in his search for identity and understanding. As
Piranesi learns more about his past, the reliability of his diary and the memories it
contains are questioned. The novel suggests that memory is not a static or objective
record of the past, but a dynamic, changing construct that shapes and is shaped by
individuals.
The process of memory and reinterpretation is the central theme of both novels.
Tony's journey in The Sense of an Ending involves an ongoing process of remembering
and rethinking his past. As he revisits old memories and encounters new evidence,
Tony's understanding of himself and his life changes. This process is often painful and
unsettling, but ultimately leads to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of his
character. Likewise, the protagonist's journey in Piranesi is characterized by a process
of recollection and reinterpretation. As Piranesi learns more about his past and the
character of the House, his understanding of himself also evolves. This process of
discovery and reinterpretation is chaotic and transformative, resulting in a more
complex and versatile identity. The novel suggests that memory is not a static or linear
structure, but a dynamic and evolving process shaped by the individual's experiences
and understandings. Both The Sense of an Ending and Piranesi emphasize the fluidity of
identity shaped by the evolving nature of memory. In The Sense of an Ending, Tony's
character is not fixed, but changes as he reconsiders his past and discovers new truths.
The novel highlights how memory and identity are intertwined, and how changes in one
lead to changes in the other. Tony's journey shows that understanding oneself is a
continuous process influenced by the reinterpretation of past experiences and the
integration of new information.
The fluidity of identity is also a central theme in Piranesi. Piranesi's fragmented and
repressed memories create disorientation and uncertainty, but at the same time offer the
possibility of change and growth. As Piranesi learns more about his past, his
understanding of himself develops, leading to a more complex and multifaceted
identity. The novel suggests that identity is not a fixed or static construct, but a dynamic,
evolving process shaped by memory and experience.
In both novels, memory is used as an essential tool for self-knowledge and personal
growth. In "Sense of an Ending," Tony's journey to understand and accept the truth
about his past is made easier by his willingness to face and re-evaluate his memories.
This process of his self-discovery is painful and difficult, but ultimately leads to a more
true understanding of his own personality. Tony's story shows that revisiting and
reassessing memories can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-awareness.
Piranesi also emphasizes the role of memory in his self-knowledge. The protagonist's
fragmented and repressed memories initially cause disorientation and confusion, but as
Piranesi begins to uncover the truth about his past, his understanding of himself
deepens. The process of recovering lost memories and unifying one's identity is
complex and transformative. The novel suggests that memory is not only a record of the
past, but also a key to understanding oneself and one's place in the world.
Both novels explore the idea that memory plays an important role in constructing
reality. In A Sense of an Ending, Tony's memories shape his understanding of his life
and relationships. The discrepancies between his memories and the new evidence he
discovered highlight how memories can distort reality and create subjective and often
misleading stories. Tony's journey shows how the memories we choose to keep, and
those we repress or distort, affect our perception of reality.
In Piranesi, the protagonist's understanding of reality is also shaped by his memories.
The fragmented and repressed nature of his memories creates a distorted and incomplete
picture of his past and personality. As Piranesi begins to uncover the truth about his past
and the nature of his family, his perception of reality changes and evolves. The novel
suggests that reality is not a fixed or objective construct, but is shaped by the memories
and stories we create about our experiences.
Both novels explore the emotional impact memory has on the characters' personalities
and lives. Tony's journey in A Sense of an Ending is marked by a variety of emotions,
from guilt and regret to confusion and acceptance. The process of revisiting and re-
evaluating memories can be emotionally challenging, but ultimately leads to a deeper
understanding of yourself and your past. Tony's story shows that confronting and
working through difficult memories can be a powerful means of emotional healing and
personal growth.
Piranesi also emphasizes the emotional impact memories have on the protagonist's
personality and life. The fragmented and repressed nature of Piranesi's memories not
only creates disorientation and confusion, but also offers the potential for emotional
healing and growth. As Piranesi begins to uncover the truth about his past, he
experiences a range of emotions, from fear and uncertainty to acceptance and
understanding. The novel suggests that memory is not only a cognitive construct but
also an emotional construct, shaping our emotions and experiences as much as it shapes
our understanding of ourselves and the past.
In conclusion, both Julian Barnes's The Sense of an Ending and Suzanne
Clarke's Piranesi explore the importance of memory in the formation of personal
identity. Through different narratives and contextual frames, the two novels emphasize
not only the subjective, unreliable, and dynamic nature of memory, but also the
profound impact memory has on the characters' understanding of themselves and their
past. By comparing and contrasting the way memory is depicted in the two novels, this
essay has shown that memory serves as an important tool for self-discovery, personal
growth, and the construction of reality. The exploration of memory in both novels
highlights the fluid and evolving nature of identity, shaped by the interaction of past
experiences and present understandings.