The ideas of memory and its role in creating identity in the stories, "Pay Check" and "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" by Philip K. Dick pose poignant questions as to what defines us as individuals, is it really our memories or are there subconscious parts of ourselves that are simply innate? I can see both sides of how memory does define the narrators' sense of self, as well as how the stories prove that memories cannot change that there are inherent aspects of an individual. One can argue that in "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,"Mr. Quail was rediscovering his memories and further redefining himself with what he uncovers, but at the same time, the fact that his memories were erased and he had some implanted does not change his desires and feelings towards. He ends up wanting to always be the person he had already been.
On a similar note, I drew parallels with the story and the film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It was interesting that I drew such parallels because I never considered the film to be science fiction, but I believe that's because its woven into the story in the same way fantasy and supernatural are constructed seamlessly in magical realism. The two lovers attempt to erase each other from their lives when their relationship went bad. Tying it back idea of identity, I believe that part of our sense of identity is defined by the people who we surround ourselves with. For Mr. Quail, his wife makes him feel more ordinary and inadequate. In the film, Joel defines himself based on his romantic partner as well. Joel and Clementine cannot deny nor explain their attraction to each other even after having met again. It justifies that there are just some parts of ourselves that we cannot change: our deep desires, preferences, who we fall in love with, etc.
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