Writing a Memoir: Involvement of Art with Craft
Mathias started discussing how there are very little personal memoirs of World War I and II but that it is a widespread belief that there are many. He conducts this passage through telling you how to write a memoir but also by telling you about his experiences throughout as well. It offers you insight of how to write your own memoir by telling the full truth but also by using your imagination. He thought he did not have to worry about research because he would just remember everything that happened but until he found his old letters did his story really come to life. Mathias needed to use art, a theme, and find to own writing personality. He says that these are key to writing your own memoir, and that the truth is to be enhanced rather than hindered. I get the feeling that his ideas are that to write your own memoir that you need to make up your own rules and not just stick to one theory or idea because that is not interesting to a reader. You must strive for the truth through memory, letters, pictures, imagination and dialogue.
Three questions that came to mind are:
1.Where we could find his memoir?
2.How his children felt from reading their father’s memoir?
3.How, if anything changed, he was regarded after publishing his memoir?
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5 comments:
I like that you mention the importance of having a theme to organize and to guide your text.
Great points! I loved the direction you took your reflection in. I absolutely agree with what you stated regarding striving for the truth through memories, letters, pictures, etc. Many people who write memoirs are influenced to do so because they feel they need to inform others of their past experiences. It's very interesting to see most of the outcomes of a writer at work. I almost got excited when you mentioned using your imagination as well as the truth. It tends to be very difficult for some to differentiate the two. Stories that are written with the utmost truth behind it are so much more appealing than that of an experience one wishes to undergo. Great points! I loved the direction you took your reflection in. I almost got excited when you mentioned using your imagination as well as the truth. It tends to be very difficult for some to differentiate the two.
Interesting take on Mathias's article. Inventing one's own rules is great way to be original. Earnest Hemingway was known for his minimalist prose that would have earned him scorn from his high school English teacher - though it ultimately made him a more interesting writer! I completely agree that striving for truth is a subjective endeavor and there is no one path to finding truth. Remembering the past, letters, pictures and all have the potential for personal enlightenment. To try and answer your third question: Mathias' memoir, "G. I. JIVE An Army Bandsman in World War II," was not widely read, so peoples' regard for him probably hasn't changed since its publishing.
I really appreciate the comments that were made on my blog about the Mathias memoir. Seeing people’s reactions to my work is a great comfort and reinforces you as a writer. I also appreciate that my question was answered and it does make sense that it was a wide spread piece of work. I also enjoyed Nathan’s way of thinking and relation to Ernest Hemingway.
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