The One and Only Ivan Memory and the Past Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Line)

Quote #1

Humans think gorillas don't have imaginations. They think we don't remember our pasts or ponder our futures. (imagination.91)

Ivan seems proud of his ability to imagine things. Strangely, though, in the next breath he says that he likes to "think about what is, not what could be" (imagination.92). What do you make of this?

Memory and the Past

Quote #2

"There's a difference," Stella says gently, "between 'can't remember' and 'won't remember.'" (not sleepy.254)

Ivan chooses not to remember his past, and Stella tries to nudge him toward at least admitting that this is the case, instead of him, say, suffering gorilla amnesia.

Memory and the Past

Quote #3

Not remembering can be difficult, but I've had a lot of time to work on it. (not sleepy.255)

Question: Do you think Ivan actually doesn't remember? Or does he just work really hard not to think about the past?

Memory and the Past
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