This article analyzes the depiction of reminiscence in later life, as the American playwright Edward Albee described in his plays entitled The American Dream and Three Tall Women. Reminiscence refers to the spontaneous return of memories, the purposive retrieval of memories, or both. It is an adaptation strategy for older people to cope with misery in later life. It provides solace for older people who require a means of expressing their desire for an emotional relationship with others. The reminiscer selects, constructs, or revises essential parts from their memories to secure a sense of continuity of self-identity. They also tend to idealize or mythicize their past to present themselves as heroic figures whose life history is worth remembering. Reminiscence enables self-observation and contemplation. Examining the past helps older people identify their past achievements and failures, eventually resulting in self-understanding and acceptance. Moreover, Albee’s portrayal challenges the stereotype of older people as intellectually inactive. Although the older characters in Albee’s plays experience a decline in physical functioning, their reminiscences show that their cognitive abilities remain active.
Chin-ying Chang (Fri,) studied this question.