A Provision of Memories Stored up for Days to Come: A Ricœurian Reading of Joyce Carol Oates’s My Sister, My Love

Abstract

Joyce Carol Oates’s My Sister, My Love is a fictional memoir inspired by the infamous murder of JonBenét Ramsey. The novel explores the psychological impact of trauma and the complexities of memory as the protagonist, Skyler, grapples with the guilt of potentially being involved in his sister’s death. Through a Ricœurian lens, this paper examines how memory serves both as a tool for understanding and as a means of obscuring the past. The analysis highlights the limitations of memory, its susceptibility to manipulation, and its role in shaping individual narratives. Ultimately, My Sister, My Love presents a poignant exploration of the human psyche, the enduring impact of trauma, and the quest for meaning in the face of tragedy.