Instead of asking what this essay means, in our reading responses, we ask: how was it made? What can we learn for our own writing from how this was made? The goal of the reading response is practical: how can we look closely at a piece of published work in a way that will help us become better writers.
In this class, we will be studying and discussing different possibilities inherent in creative nonfiction--the range of voices and structures--from highly narrative to lyric, from linear and chronological to mosaic and fragmented, from highly personal and autobiographical to detached and philosophical. And with each personal essay you read, you will also read a craft essay meant either to lend insight to the published essay or guide you in your own revision process.
Your response will have four parts.
PART A: Who and Why:
Who is the limited persona in the essay?
Why is this essay/memoir being told? (What is the author's purpose in the essay?)
Part B: The Story:
What is the essay's "Story"? The "story" is the central question for the writer and the reader. "Story" in this context does not refer to plot but to the meaning of the piece--to why the reader should care. Vivian Gornick calls the story: "the insight, the wisdom, the thing one has come to say." So, far Part B, your task is to find that central question AND relate what the essay has to say about this question.
Part C: The Craft Essay
How does reading the craft essay provide insight into this personal essay or into your own work?
Part D: Emulation:
What craft aspect in this personal essay do you admire? How might you emulate this in your own work-in-progress? (Be specific: what changes in your piece do you want to make?)
In this section, you may choose to write about characterization, narrative design, plot, imagery, dialogue, tone, prose style, voice, etc. This is the section where you have the freedom to closely examine whatever craft aspect of the essay interests you most.
Important Note #1: I have a very low threshold for responses which basically say that the essay is crap and there isn't anything in it for you. Your task is to be receptive and teachable, open and inquisitive.
Reading responses must be specific--using quotes and citations to support your claims.
Reading Responses will receive a letter grade. Reading Responses should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, typed, according to the three-part format above.
Good Luck!