"Afraid of being trapped. Afraid of being buried alive": Memory and Nostalgia in Brian Friel's Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Abstract

The current paper analyzes the themes of memory and nostalgia in Philadelphia, Here I Come! (1964) by Brian Friel. The play explores the memories and nostalgia of the characters, particularly Gar and his father, S.B. O'Donnell, and how these memories are linked to their cultural and social identities as Irish people. Through the lens of cultural memory theory, the play can be analyzed in terms of how the characters remember and represent the past and how collective memories are transmitted across generations. Ultimately, by examining the transmission and transformation of collective memories across ages, cultural memory theory provides insights into the cultural and social context of the play and offers a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between memory, nostalgia, and cultural identity. Philadelphia, Here I Come! emerges as a poignant exploration, wielding Gar's encounters and engagements with various individuals as instruments to illustrate the intricate, multifaceted nature of memory. Friel's portrayal underscores how memory moulds one's self-perception and influences decision-making processes. Above all, the play is a stark reminder of the enduring influence of bygone times on our present and future trajectories.