Beyond Human Memory: Arboreal Memory and the Limits of the Human in Richard Powers’ The Overstory

Narie Jung

doi:10.1080/00144940.2026.2686766

July 5, 2026The Explicator

Beyond Human Memory: Arboreal Memory and the Limits of the Human in Richard Powers’ The Overstory

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Key Points

The aim is to explore the intertwining of human memory with trees in Richard Powers’ narrative.
Literary analysis of character interactions with trees in The Overstory
Thematic exploration of ecological memory and its representation
Examination of narrative structure in relation to human and arboreal experiences
Human memory is depicted as connected with trees through various character actions and experiences.
The entanglement suggests a deep ecological relationship between people and nature.
The narrative challenges traditional notions of memory, proposing an expanded understanding of time and existence influenced by arboreal life.

Implication

Literary analysis uncovers the connection between memory and trees, indicating their ecological significance.

Abstract

Richard Powers’ The Overstory foregrounds the idea that human memory is fundamentally entangled with trees. The characters grow alongside trees—planting them, climbing them, observing them, and lis...

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Cite This Study

Narie Jung (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a4c9754331bc25c9e5f44c7 https://doi.org/10.1080/00144940.2026.2686766

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Beyond Human Memory: Arboreal Memory and the Limits of the Human in Richard Powers’ The Overstory

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Beyond Human Memory: Arboreal Memory and the Limits of the Human in Richard Powers’ The Overstory

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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