The Tapestry of Remembered Lives: Autobiographical Memory and Collective Experiences in On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

This paper delves into the intricate interplay between memory, collective trauma, and identity formation in Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. Central to the analysis is the protagonist's poignant inquiry into the cessation of war's lingering influence on personal recollection and individual agency. Drawing upon T.S. Eliot’s thematic motifs of memory and existential inquiry, the paper explores how Vuong navigates the complexities of memory studies to illuminate the enduring legacy of war and the quest for reconciliation amidst the ruins of memory. Through a detailed analysis supported by textual references and critical opinions, this paper aims to provide new insights into the profound thematic resonances of the novel, avoiding commentary or clichéd interpretations.