Last summer I picked up a yellow scrap of newspaper and read of a Biloxi election in 1948, and in it I caught the smell of history more pungently than from the metal marker telling of the French and Spanish two hundred years ago and the Yankees one hundred years ago. 1948. What a faroff time.
In his novel "The Moviegoer," Walker Percy reflects on a significant moment when he discovers a yellowed newspaper from the 1948 Biloxi election. This moment evokes a powerful sense of history for him, surpassing the traditional historical markers that commemorate events from centuries past. The newspaper serves as a tangible link to the past, intensifying his engagement with history.
Percy's contemplation reveals the personal connection between the present and past, highlighting how even events from the relatively recent history of 1948 can resonate deeply. The quote captures a sense of nostalgia and illustrates the idea that history is not only about dates and events but also about the emotional experiences tied to them.
