Mildred's Diaries

Mildred’s diary, that Ida discovers within a ledger, serves as a narrative symbol for independence. While Mildred is confined to the hospital, and unable to care for herself, while writing in the journal, recording her personal thoughts allows her to retain a sense of autonomy. She hides the journal from Andrew to protect her independence and ensure that her identity and internal thoughts are not contorted for his personal gain.

Brooklyn

Throughout “A Memoir, Remembered”, Diaz utilizes Brooklyn as a symbol for social and economic disenfranchisement. The Italian community, Carroll Gardens, where Ida and her father live, is inhabited by working class immigrant families. Most people who live in the neighborhood are unable to escape poverty. Unlike characters like Bevel, who come from a wealthy lineage, they do not have a financial backing to change their socio-economic class.

Ida's Typewriter

Ida’s typewriter serves...