What role does memory play in Lucy by the Sea?

Throughout the novel, Lucy reflects on many parts of her life: her mother, her siblings, growing up, her marriages. Later Lucy starts to forget things. What role does memory play in Lucy by the Sea?

Lucy recalls experiences from her past, snippets of memories, as a guide to help her process the pandemic, her new relationship to William, her own life. She learns about herself through memories. Her "I don't know anything" moments, P.157 :Who the hell knows anything,Lucy?"

Lucy has a life filled with people and experiences that have brought her joy while also being a person who has suffered from significant losses, disappointments and a traumatic childhood. Her memory reflects the struggles she has in balancing these poles of her existence. Some things she wants to forget and can't as she tries to make sense of how her life continues to unfold. Overall I see Lucy as trying to see the good in her experiences which is not always easy for her.

The pandemic put most people in a reflective mood. With pictures on the T.V. of the big refrigerator trucks with dead bodies, I think everyone had a glimpse of his/her mortality and a replay of some memories of our life both good and painful.

Lucy has a sharp memory for events and who did and said what, yet she is concerned that she is losing her memory. She feels in a fog or as if she is getting old which is not uncommon for someone her age. She begins to distrust her memories. Yet when it was important enough, she uses her memory of the lessons she learned, such as how much it hurt when she found out William was cheating on her, that she could advise her daughter, Chrissy, not to do the same thing.

Lucy spends much of her time living in the past through her memories trying to make sense of her world. I think many people do that. Her memories influence how she views situations and how she offers suggestions to her friends and daughters. She and Charlene befriend each other and meet for walks and chats on a bench. They vow to help each other know if they are losing their minds. I think this is due to the isolation from others. It gave them comfort to know someone would notice.

Lucy had time to reflect on her life when she was in isolation. She seemed to understand her reactions to Edward’s affair. I really liked what she said. “I often thought it made me a nicer person, I really do. When you are truly humbled, that can happen. I have come to notice this in life. You can become bigger or bitter, that is what I think” P. 274.

Memories play a major roll in Lucy's life particularly during that year. I feel that the pandemic and the isolation and quiet gave people time to reflect on their memories. It also made you realize your mortality and reflect on your life: what it was like, what you would have wanted to do, to change. The good and the bad. Lucy had recently lost her husband, so she was also in the midst of grief, which is so full of memories.
I also think many people experienced some form of brain fog, even without having Covid. The changes in your routines and normal activities, the silence all have an affect on the brain.

The novel takes place during the pandemic. There was lots of downtime and many opportunities to just reflect on your current life and past. Lucy was a thinker and her mind was never quiet. Her memories were excellent and I think she enjoyed reliving episodes in her life.

Lucy has time during the pandemic to reflect on her life and choices, as many people did when the hustle and bustle of everyday life changed overnight. Her memories add depth to her character in the novel and add information and perspective that enable this story to stand on its own in the author's writings. The information and impressions given to the reader through Lucy's memories really help place the reader into her thought process. I love how imperfect she is.