In Sebastian Faulks' novel "Engleby," the protagonist reflects on the profound impact of memory and identity. The quote, "You can't recall someone whose name has worn away," highlights the significance of names in shaping our understanding of individuals. It suggests that as memories fade, so do the connections we have to people, emphasizing the transient nature of human relationships.
This idea presents a poignant commentary on how time erodes personal identities and memories, leaving behind only faint traces of who we once knew. The struggle to remember someone when their identity is no longer anchored by a name illustrates the fragility of human connections over time.