The two novels, The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer, both use memory as a powerful tool to advance and improve their stories. However, they have completely different methods to integrate memory into their novels. These methods can be explained by the course theme “Culture and Memory”; Lahiri uses the development of culture in the lives of the Gangulis and Foer uses memories inscribed in key objects.

In The Namesake, the book’s progression is rather chronological. This makes the concept of culture a lot more significant to evoke memory. As the characters grow up, they develop new views as they become accustomed to American life. As a result, the change in the characters allows the readers to feel somewhat nostalgic when a reference to the Ganguli’s culture appears. Family meetings, old trips to Calcutta, good names and food, appear frequently in Gogol’s thoughts late in the novel. These aspects of his culture serve as memories that both the readers and Gogol can share.

On the other hand, Foer uses a more direct approach to evoke memory. Objects and possessions of the characters in Extremely Loud and incredibly Close serve as the vehicle of memories.  Oskar uses the envelope and key as a method to preserve the memory of his father, although there is no real connection between the two.  He uses the key as a way to keep the most precious memories of scavenger hunts and riddles with his father close to heart. In a way, Oskar wants this personal relationship with his father to never end; he wants to keep experiencing these memories over again, which is why Oskar embarks on the unreasonable quest. We can see similar ways the other characters inscribe memories into objects through letters and places like the Empire State Building.

The ways both writers evoke memory in the readers extremely effective and relatable, allowing readers to be reminded of their own memories.