OK, here's something from "The English Pupil," the second story, now that I have my book, that I thought was fabulous. It's about Linnaeus.
His once-famous memory was nearly gone, eroded by a series of strokes — he forgot where he was and what he was doing; he forgot the names of plants and animals; he forgot faces, places, dates. Sometimes he forgot his own name. His mind, which had once seemed to hold the whole world, had been occupied by a great dark lake that spread farther every day and around which he tiptoed gingerly. When he reached for facts they darted like minnows across the water and could only be captured by cunning and indirection.
Any theories on why this story was called "The English Pupil"?
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2 comments:
The story shows Linnaeus's life through his struggles in remembering it. His final triumph is when he recognizes Rotheram for sure and remembers that all his other great pupils have died.
Linnaeus sums it all up when he tries to say, The death of many whom I have induced to travel has turned my hair gray, and what have I gained? A few dried plants, accompanied by great anxiety, unrest, and care.
The English pupil, by his presence, represents the loss of all the others.
I like Ben's theory.
This was a very touching story, I thought. And beautifully written, as you said. That is a great passage you cited. I like that she explored the idea of Linnaeus growing old and forgetting the vast collection of information that had been his life's work and questioning whether it was all worth it.
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