Emerson, Memory, and Oblivion

In the chapter on “Language,” from Nature (1836) Emerson comments that the “visible distance behind and before us, is respectively our image of memory and hope,” yet later in his essay on “Poetry and Imagination” he cites Sir. Thomas Browne’s adage that “the misty vaporousness of oblivion…were but Babel vanities. Time sadly overcometh all things.” This panel seeks papers that explore Emerson’s approach to memory and time, remembering and forgetting. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Emerson’s use of time as symbol and metaphor, his understanding of poetics and tradition, his concept of "Self-Reliance" as it relates to the tension between individual and social memory, his arguments on "Quotation and Originality" as it relates to the appropriation and revision of other authors, Emerson’s own struggles with aphasia and memory loss, or his own role in literary history and how he is variously remembered, written over, or cast into oblivion. Though we also welcome abstracts for papers outside of the conference’s theme.

https://pamla.ballastacademic.com/Home/S/19766

Potential presenters may submit paper proposals using PAMLA’s online submission form (go to https://pamla.ballastacademic.com to login or create an account first). 

Email any questions to Michael Weisenburg: weisenbu@email.sc.edu