The Complexities of Life

       Stories are composed of phrases and words holding meaning to its plots, its moral lessons, and the author’s opinions and suggestions on life. Extracting meaningful quotes out of the story allows the reader to further develop an understanding for the novel’s characters and the overall theme. The following are three significant references to Kim Edwards’ novel, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, which demonstrate unexpected results, burning secrets, character foils and dualism altogether.

       In Kim Edwards’ novel, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, there is a clear message to the readers that a significant change will occur in the main characters’ ways of living: “Our world will never be the same” (Edwards 17). The moment the main protagonist, Dr. David Henry, decided to send away his newborn daughter, diseased with Down syndrome, to an institution far away - everything was changed. Phoebe’s birth and Dr. Henry’s decision, together, became the catalyst for the upcoming tragedy in the novel. This quote directly indicates that what once existed would disappear; what once was strong could eventually fall to pieces. To begin with, Dr. Henry and his wife had never expected twins, let alone one of them bearing Down syndrome. Without Mrs. Henry’s knowledge and consent, Dr. Henry decided to take action on his own, asking his nurse to take away Phoebe secretly. He then proceeded to tell his wife that the baby daughter had passed away at birth. This quote, said by Mrs. Henry earlier, had been said with a positive connotation. By commenting that their worlds would be different, she had meant bringing their newborn baby home, welcoming new life; embracing new hope. The irony in this quote is that the outcome is not what was desired. The dualism of this quote – a positive and negative connotation, both at the same chance, proves that there is no absolute certainty in life. In the end, the couple’s worlds, as mentioned, did change.  The father gradually retreated into reclusion and the mother slowly swayed away from the family, depressed by her daughter’s death as well as angered at her husband’s lack of emotions. Phoebe, unexpectedly, is raised by Dr. Henry’s nurse in a faraway place…

       Other dominant elements of the novel include suspense and secrecy: “He held it, warming in his palm, thinking of all mysteries the world contained: layers of stone, concealed beneath the flesh of earth and grass; these dull rocks, with their glimmering hidden hearts” (Edwards 122). The significance of this quote lies in the fact that Edwards focused heavily on the protagonist’s approach to his actions and his feelings, including remorse. Under his dull appearance, his heart, including his deep sense of pain and guilt, was crystallized over the many years. On the outside, one cannot see nor feel what Dr. Henry’s emotions are, neither can one differentiate between him and another with a perfectly unsickened heart. Edwards is commenting that the deepest and truest emotions are those found deep under the many layers portrayed outside; the faces and words on the demeanor of an individual do not truly define who they are or how they feel. Even more commonly, mankind is not always adept at expressing themselves, leading to misunderstandings and confusion which serve as barriers between them and those attempting to connect to them. The dull appearance of the rock symbolizes Dr. Henry’s cold and emotionless outer shell, whereas the glimmering heart signifies his wrongly-portrayed affection for those he truly loves, his wish for this love to be returned, and the indescribable amount of remorse which is about to be burst out the seams. The idea of the glimmering heart once again, conveys dualism by which it represents a hidden shame and a secret burning force of passion simultaneously.

       In contrast to Dr. Henry’s negative outlook, Phoebe’s approach to life itself is positive and filled with determination: “…But using Al’s chest for resistance, her small fingers scraping and scraping the medallion into her palm until she could close her fist around it” (Edwards 105). Although very young, not even one year old, Phoebe’s subtle sense of certainty presents the other side of the scale, as if being a character foil to her father. Dr. Henry decided to sink into his pain and to be enveloped by depression, while on the other hand, Phoebe, although the one physically disabled, grows healthily mentally. By scraping the medallion multiple times before clutching it in her fist, Phoebe is demonstrating her will to survive; the will to face whatever hardships she may later face – this force being the complete opposite of Dr. Henry’s. Here, the complexity of one family and the passionate differences between father and daughter are observed.

       In conclusion, the above three quotes signifies the consequences of actions – how a mistake in one moment of life could eventually haunt the rest of lifetime. Dr. Henry’s decision had broken the hearts of those around him, including himself. The quotes also exhibit the burden of lies and secrets which are so immensely scattered throughout this novel. Dr. Henry and Phoebe’s clash of personality, rather than questioning their relationship of father and daughter, only strengthens their connection by the passion in which they share. Lastly, dualism is a main pillar of the story as it illustrates contrasting connotations, opposite forces, and the double-sided perspectives one should use to view life.