Memory by Charles Lamb (1813)
The work explores the elusive nature of memory, personified as a female figure who emphasizes that it cannot be bought or easily obtained. The protagonist, young forgetful Adelaide, expresses a desire for memory, leading to the appearance of this figure. Memory explains that she cannot be acquired through wealth or distant travels; instead, she requires effort, study, and attentive care to be cultivated. The text highlights the importance of active engagement and the role of writing as a means to summon and retain memory. It suggests that while memory is precious and vital, it demands dedication and practice to truly possess. The narrative reflects on the relationship between memory and personal experience, underscoring that it is not a passive gift but an active pursuit. The work ultimately conveys that the path to memory is through conscious effort and reflection, rather than mere longing or desire.
By Charles Lamb · First published 1813 · Genre: Autobiography, Philosophical, Non-Fiction · 238 words
First lines
"For gold could Memory be bought, What treasures would she not be worth! If from afar she could be brought, I'd travel for her through the earth."
This exclamation once was made By one who had obtained the name Of young forgetful Adelaide; And while she spoke, lo! Memory came --
If Memory indeed it were, Or such it only feign'd to be: A female figure came to her Who said, "My name is Memory!
"Gold purchases in me no share, Nor do I dwell in distant land; Study, and thought, and watchful care In every place may me command.
What this Textopian page supports
Memory is listed on Textopian as a poem by Charles Lamb, dated 1813 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Charles Lamb
- Date: 1813 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Autobiography, Philosophical, Non-Fiction, Reflective
- Length: 238 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Memory by Charles Lamb
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Memory?
- How does this poem by Charles Lamb fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Autobiography first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Faces Of Memory by George William Russell
- I Know Not How But As I Count by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Remember by Gelett Burgess
- Memory by Gelett Burgess
- Death And Memory by Frederic Manning
- Past by Frederic Manning
Genres
- Autobiography — As Charles Lamb's 'Memory' is fundamentally a recounting and reflective analysis of his own personal life experiences, the genre of autobiography is highly relevant.
- Philosophical — Lamb discusses matters of the self, mortality, meaning, and existence, drawing heavily from introspection and personal philosophy, contributing to this classification.
- Non-Fiction — The book 'Memory' does not contain a constructed, fictional storyline but rather uses actual events and real experiences as its main narrative.
- Reflective — The nature of Lamb's writing, where he deeply introspects his past experiences and the concept of memory itself, allows for this book to be categorized under reflective genre.
Tags
nostalgia · remembrance · reflection · identity · time · emotion · experience · literature · memory · personal · philosophy · humanity