Memory and Physical Presence

Leiris’s reaction to seeing his wife’s body demonstrates the importance he places on physical presence and experiences. Seeing the dead body of a loved one, particularly one who died in the sudden and tragic way in which Hélène did, could be a traumatic experience. In contrast, Leiris looks forward to seeing his wife and feels happier and more contented after he does. In the author’s view, seeing his wife’s body is not a matter of confronting her death, but rather an opportunity to spend time with her after being separated for several days. Hélène cannot interact with him and he is separated from her by a plexiglass barrier, but Leiris still feels as if the two are together. He also describes wanting to lay down with her. Being physically present with his wife is important to the...