In "Where My Heart Used to Beat," Sebastian Faulks explores deep themes of memory and identity through vivid imagery. The narrator recalls a moment of slicing through a preserved brain, drawing a sensory comparison to cooked cauliflower. This act symbolizes a dissection of the self, representing how the mind's complexities can be translated into something tangible and physical.

The experience of holding the brain evokes a poignant reflection on the essence of being and consciousness. The narrator contemplates the myriad thoughts and memories that once defined a person, illustrating how the physical remains can starkly contrast with the vibrant life once lived. This moment encapsulates the intersection of science and human experience, highlighting the fragility and wonder of life.