ANALYZING REMEMBERED EVENT ESSAYS
Many people write about important events in their lives to archive their memories
and to learn something about themselves. Keep in mind, however, that unless you are
writing in your diary, remembered event writing is a public genre meant to be read by
others. So it is important to think about self-presentation as well as self-discovery.
Memorable events are, by definition, full of potential meaning, and insightful
readers often see larger themes or deeper implications—what we call significance. This
richness of meaning makes autobiographical writing fascinating to read and to write
because the writer conveys a message to readers that connects with them on a deeper,
human level. For example, in Scott Russell Sanders piece “Under the Influence,” he states in
the first paragraph that the effect of his father’s alcoholism continued with the family for
the remainder of their lives. While many readers do not have an alcoholic parent, they are
able to connect with Sander’s piece because the concept of having another person’s actions
affect them deeply is something that people can apply to a variety of experiences.
Consequently, by connecting that universal idea to their own experiences, readers can
better appreciate Sander’s experience and the effects it had on him and this, in turn,
broadens their perspective and knowledge of the world.
So, when reading selections about remembered events, ask yourself the following
questions about the writer’s purpose and audience:
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What seems to be the writer’s main purpose—for example, to understand what
happened and why, perhaps to confront unconscious and possibly uncomplimentary
motives; to relive an intense experience, perhaps to work through complex and
ambivalent feelings; to win over readers, perhaps to justify and rationalize choices
made, actions taken, or words used; to reflect on cultural attitudes at the time the
even occurred, perhaps in contrast to current ways of thinking?
What does the author assume about audience—for example, that readers will have
had similar experiences and therefore appreciate what the writer went through and
not judge too harshly; that they will see the writer as innocent, well meaning, a
victim, or something else; that readers will laugh with and not at the writer, seeing
the writer’s failings as amusing foibles and not serious shortcomings; that readers
will reflect on the cultural context in which the event occurred and how it influenced
the writer?
The Dramatic Arc
The dramatic arc is present in many stories. The shape of the arc can vary. Not all stories
devote the same amount of space to each element, and some may omit an element or
include more than one. Here is a standard arc sequence:
Exposition/inciting incident: Background information, scene setting, or an introduction
to the characters or an initial conflict or problem that sets off the action, arousing curiosity
and suspense.
Rising Action: The developing crisis, possibly leading to other conflicts and complications.
Climax: The emotional high point, often a turning point marking a change for good or ill.
Falling Action: Resolution of tension and unraveling of conflicts; may include a final
surprise.
Resolution/Reflection: Conflicts come to an end but may not be fully resolved, and writer
reflects on the event’s meaning and importance—its significance.
Telling a Story
The success of remembered event writing depends on how well the story is told. Some
memorable events are inherently dramatic, but most are not. The challenge is to make the
story entertaining and meaningful for readers. The most effective autobiographical stories
make a connection with readers, make readers care about the storyteller as well as curious
to know what happened.
When writing a personal essay, ask yourself?
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What is the main idea I want to get across to readers? What is the significance of the
story I want to tell?
How will my ideas connect with readers even if they have not been through a similar
experience as mine?
Is my thesis stated originally or does it sound like a cliché?