Forgetfulness

Forgetfulness

See also Carelessness.

Absent-Minded Beggar, The

ballad of forgetful soldiers who fought in the Boer War. [Br. Lit.: “The Absent-Minded Beg-gars” in Payton, 3]

absent-minded professor

personification of one too contemplative to execute practical tasks. [Pop. Culture: Misc.]

jujube

causes loss of memory and desire to return home. [Classical Myth.: Leach, 561–562]

Lethe

river of Hades which induced forgetfulness. [Gk. Myth.: Brewer Dictionary, 687; Br. Lit.: Paradise Lost; Rom. Lit.: Aeneid]

limbo

place or condition of neglect and inattention (from Dante). [Western Folklore: Espy, 124]

Lotophagi

African people, eaters of an amnesia-inducing fruit. [Gk. Lit.: Odyssey; Br. Lit.: “The Lotus-Eaters” in Norton, 733–736]

Madison, Percival Wemys

character who no longer remembers his name. [Br. Lit.: Lord of the Flies]

soma

drug that induces forgetfulness. [Br. Lit.: Brave New World]

Winkle, Rip Van

awakening from 20 years’ sleep, forgets how things have changed. [Am. Lit.: Sketch Book, Payton, 574]