Sense of an ending

1) How do you understand memory and history with reference to your reading of this novel.

Memory

                  “The memory becomes a thing of shreds and patches. It is a bit like the black box airplanes carry to record what happens in a crash. If nothing goes wrong, the tape erases itself. Therefore, if you do crash, it is obvious why you did; if you do not, and then the log of your journey is much less clear.”

                 Similarly Tony peep out in his past. When his own construction of memory break through just one letter, preserved by Veronica. Therefore, it is true that Tony records what happens in past but not as it happens but as he saw. Hence, his narrative may rises questions about character and their life.

What is really happened ?

                 Perhaps, “yes” – this is exactly What happened.but the way it(event) is remembered, memorized and historised  is questionable. How accurate are our memories of ourselves, of other, of event in our life? Like Tony, we are far from perfect. We also invent convenient lies to mask uncomfortable truths. Like him we too carry the scars of our past, trying our best to forget and forgive at times others sometimes ourselves But what necessary is we too deserve to be heard and understood our remorse as we have sympathy for  Tony's Remorse.

History

                  The central theme of the novel is history and memory. the discourse on 'History' in this novel, takes a few deeper steps penetration to comes at worthier conclusion. Part two is all about documentation which prove the point of inadequacy of memory which construct History. Even Barnes recording his time's musicians and singers it is beautiful way to documentation of time.  The two definition of history which was discussed by Adrian and later on by Tony himself seems more convenient. Because, how history comes into existence ? It comes into existence only by construction of doubtful memory.

                 “History is that certainty produced at the point where the imperfections of memory meet the inadequacies of documentation.”
“History isn’t the lies of the victors, as I once glibly assured Old Joe Hunt; I know that now. It’s more the memories of the survivors, most of whom are neither victorious nor defeated.”
Thus, Barnes aptly describes  the definition of history that, Self delusion of the defeated and lies Victors.


2) How do you understand the concept of suicide with reference to your reading of literature ranging from Renaissance play Hamlet, 20th century. Existentialist philosophy and this 21st century novel The Sense of an Ending?

              We have seen that Hamlet is deeply concerned with two broadly existential issues: consciousness and authenticity. Shakespeare's explorations of these philosophically rich ideas play a vital part in generating the energy and intensity of the play.

             In Hamlet, Shakespeare suggests that in order to understand freedom. We must confront the realities of death and human attitude. From the outset of the play, Hamlet contemplates the meaning of suicide. 

             His father's unexpected death and his mother's swift marriage have led him to think about self-slaughter. Death is never far from his mind. It filtrates his language and imagery.

            Hamlet has fear of God that why he doesn't commit suicide. In existentialism we see suicide as an escapism, one should take responsibilities on their own.

Sense of an Ending:

            We doesn't find a proof, so we can't rely on what Tony says, But we find another perspective which tells, that if you thinks you lived life then suicide happily.