…She was intimidating to me in the way someone who never remembers your name can be intimidating. 'In this world,' Franny once observed, 'just when you're trying to think of yourself as memorable, there is always someone who forgets that they've met you.
In John Irving's "The Hotel New Hampshire," the protagonist expresses feelings of intimidation towards a person who frequently forgets names. This dynamic highlights the discomfort and vulnerability that arises when one feels unrecognized, emphasizing the struggle for identity and recognition in the world. The protagonist wishes to be memorable, yet encounters the harsh reality of being overlooked.
Franny's observation reflects a universal truth about human interaction: no matter how much we strive to stand out in a crowded world, there will always be instances where our presence is disregarded. This creates a poignant commentary on the nature of memory and connection, revealing the complexities of feeling both visible and invisible in social situations.
