The Memory of Things

Any piece of literature about September 11th is also about courage. Inherent to the topic are the facts and images from that day and its aftermath: first responders running toward the destruction; the actions of passengers and crew on Flight 93; victims’ family members bravely memorializing them. Kyle, in The Memory of Things, witnesses incidents of courage remarkable to him after the attack, through both a distant perspective as he watches the news footage and a very personalized lens as his father is an NYPD detective with the Joint Terrorist Task Force, “the first guys sent in during a crisis” (9). Mr. Donahue works at Ground Zero around the clock in the early days after the attack, making every attempt at rescue and recovery. When he phones Kyle, the emotion in his voice is evident even with chaotic background noise: “Our guys are down here, too, Kyle, under everything…I have to—you understand? I have to stay and get them out. […] I don’t care how long” (73). Despite his fear, grief, and worry, Mr. Donahue moves courageously forward, unceasing in his efforts. He represents the many rescue workers and first responders who worked countless hours at Ground Zero.

Inspired by his father’s courage, Kyle confronts the awkward necessities involved with caring for Uncle Matt. He manages household chores and attempts to put the girl at ease without triggering more trauma. Initially, it takes courage for him to remain calm in these endeavors and tend to others’ needs. As the week progresses, though, Kyle has to stop relying on the protective confines of the apartment and face head-on what has happened. Outside, the world as he knew it has changed; taking a walk and a subway ride are brave and noble actions: “As weird as it is, I feel it too, the sense that we’re all in this together. That those of us who are out and about today are being bold and helpful […] Pioneers, facing a brave new world” (171). After Coney Island and Madame Yvette’s, he bravely sheds the cocoon of protection he nurtured for himself and the girl; he sees that it is time for Hannah to leave, and he faces her departure. Kyle’s newfound courage prompts him to tell his father that Uncle Matt must stay as well.

Uncle Matt represents the courage necessary to live on after unimaginable change and challenge. He loses most of his mobility and independence after a tragic accident, but he bravely begins the work of regaining his mental and physical skills, inspired as Kyle is by the events of the week and the courage of others. Notably, he once explained to Kyle his choice to become a police officer, “It’s easy to be smart if you’re born that way, Kyle. It’s infinitely harder to be brave” (67). Uncle Matt demonstrates the difficulty behind courageous choices when faced with personal obstacles.

Finally, Hannah represents quiet but intense courage as she proceeds through the aftermath of the attacks. Already immersed in grief from the death of her beloved mother, about whom Hannah later tells Kyle, “She was so strong and brave” (247), Hannah sees the second plane when it hits and courageously tries to get to her father. She bravely trusts Kyle, a stranger, with her well-being as she faces regaining memories that are sure to cause pain. Even in her uncertainty about her family and background, Hannah bolsters Uncle Matt when he displays angry helplessness about the tragic losses: “‘There are things we can fix,’ I say, / “and things we cannot’” (141). Kyle notes how courageously Hannah faces the moment of learning her father’s fate: “Hannah waits, brave and strong” (253).