The Rememberer

What is the purpose of Ben’s character in the story? Is he another protagonist? Is he an antagonist? Does he even qualify as a character, or is he more of a symbol? Explain using evidence from the story.

Describe Annie’s emotional shifts in the story. How has witnessing Ben’s reverse evolution changed her? How has she remained the same?

Due to the story being told in the first-person point of view, the reader only sees Ben through Annie’s eyes. How would the story be different if Ben were the narrator? Do you think the story would have a similar tone? Why or why not?

Why does Ben’s transformation occur as a “reverse evolution” during which he becomes various animals? What does this kind of transformation suggest about the nature of Ben’s anxieties and sadness?

Do you think Annie is foolish to keep looking for Ben’s return? Do you think her rituals of looking for Ben honor him or do you think they reflect a flaw in Annie’s character?

Is there anything inspiring or hopeful about Ben’s character? If not, what does that suggest about the themes of the story? If there is, why might those details be pale in comparison to his sadness?

Magical realist and fabulist stories often reflect and allude to fairy tales. Besides “making wishes,” what are other details the story shares with fairy tales? What purpose do these details serve?

Were you surprised when Annie shares that people stopped calling after Ben’s disappearance from work? What does this suggest about society or civilization, especially in light of the spectacular nature of Ben’s transformation?