SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 12
THE REPORTED PERSONAL ESSAY
Also known as our next project
ISN’T MEMOIR A PERSONAL ESSAY?
 Yes, it is.
 Within the framework of creative nonfiction, we
have a variety of forms, such as memoir, essays,
literary journalism, flash nonfiction etc.
 One way to think about these various forms is to
think about what they have in common (rooted in
reality/ true stories; use of creative writing
techniques such as those we have discussed
 But a key difference between memoir and a
reported essay might be looked at as internal vs.
external
MEMOIR VS. REPORTAGE
 In memoir, the main “source” for information is
usually the writer and the writer’s memory (internal
reportage).
 In some cases, such as with David Carr and David
MacLean—and for longer narratives—the unreliable
narrator may talk to others.
 But in reported essays and literary journalism, the
sources may stretch farther than those close to the
original source to the outside world (external)
WHY REPORT?
 Interviewing sources, and research, can enhance
and deepen our topics
 Interviews and research provide credibility
 Moving outside our own brains and experiences
broadens our expertise, knowledge and ideas for all
writing
 This is why so many nonfiction and fiction writers
work in both genres—because there is so much
cross-over in the techniques of gathering
information for a story and for the techniques of
writing fiction and creative nonfiction
 (And also because non-fiction provides more
opportunities to publish and get paid to write)
INSIDE WORLD + OUTSIDE WORLD
“This is one of the central imperatives of combining
personal material with history or criticism or
reportage: each thread must do some work that
isn’t being done by another; that can’t be done by
another.”
—Leslie Jamison (Empathy Exams)
MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION:
Did reading this essay make you feel itchy?
THE DEVIL’S BAIT
“For Paul, it started with a fishing trip. For Lenny, it
was an addict whose knuckles were covered in
sores. Dawn found pimples clustered around her
swimming goggles. Kendra noticed ingrown hairs.
Patricia was attacked by sand flies on a Gulf Coast
beach. Sometimes the sickness starts as blisters,
or lesions, or itching, or simply a terrible fog settling
over the mind, over the world.”
(The Devil’s Bait, Leslie Jamison)
“DEVIL’S BAIT” INCLUDES:
 Personal and external reportage
 Scenes, exposition and an overall shape
 Description and metaphor
 Reflection and exposition
Group activity: To analyze Jamison’s essay and its
use of the elements of creative nonfiction, then
share with the rest of the class for a larger
discussion.
SPECIFIC TASKS
 Group 1: Structure: As a group, look through the piece
and make observations about the overall shape of the
piece, as well as observations about the use of scene
versus summary. How would you say the piece is
organized?
 Group 2: Imagery and metaphor: As a group, look
through the essay and identify examples of visual
imagery and metaphor used by Jamison. How do these
examples bolster the piece as a whole?
 Group 3: Identify places where Jamison “reflects” on her
topic. What is she saying in this piece? What is its point/
theme?
 Each group should be prepared to share observations
from each topic with the class today for a larger
discussion.
WRITING EXERCISE: PICK A COLUMN
places hobbies beliefs
vacation sports religion
hometown gaming friendship
Bucket list cooking politics
Road trip knitting Activist arena
DON’T THINK: WRITE
 Write everything you know about the topic you’ve
chosen
 You can write a scene in which the topic takes
place
 You can write a list of everything you know
 If you’re stuck, start with the sentence: “here’s what
I know about...”
 Write for 15 minutes, then we’ll read
NEXT STEPS
 Take what you’ve written, and write a complete
draft.
 Don’t stop for research (we’ll do that next): just
write to the end
 If you hate your topic, you can pick a new one, but
you need to bring a complete first draft to class next
week
 Length is not important (two pages is sufficient)
 We’ll be working in pairs next week to look for
places to bring in “reportage” to the piece

More Related Content

What's hot

Power point presentation
Power point presentationPower point presentation
Power point presentation
Maria Barberi
 
A Curious Incident Discussion Leading
A Curious Incident Discussion LeadingA Curious Incident Discussion Leading
A Curious Incident Discussion Leading
Rose Cruz
 
How to write characters presentation3
How to write characters presentation3How to write characters presentation3
How to write characters presentation3
jacobsafari
 
The Photographic Essay
The Photographic EssayThe Photographic Essay
The Photographic Essay
mrsbauerart
 
The curious incident_tn
The curious incident_tnThe curious incident_tn
The curious incident_tn
tonivanrell
 

What's hot (19)

Your log line: your key to killer marketing copy
Your log line: your key to killer marketing copyYour log line: your key to killer marketing copy
Your log line: your key to killer marketing copy
 
Holes introduction lessons1and2
Holes introduction lessons1and2Holes introduction lessons1and2
Holes introduction lessons1and2
 
Holes. Lesson 3. Context #1
Holes. Lesson 3. Context #1Holes. Lesson 3. Context #1
Holes. Lesson 3. Context #1
 
The perfect pitch
The perfect pitchThe perfect pitch
The perfect pitch
 
Theme Statements
Theme StatementsTheme Statements
Theme Statements
 
Power point presentation
Power point presentationPower point presentation
Power point presentation
 
A Curious Incident Discussion Leading
A Curious Incident Discussion LeadingA Curious Incident Discussion Leading
A Curious Incident Discussion Leading
 
Literature: elements of fiction
Literature: elements of fictionLiterature: elements of fiction
Literature: elements of fiction
 
Book review
Book reviewBook review
Book review
 
The Art of Memoir: Discovering and Deepening Your Story
The Art of Memoir: Discovering and Deepening Your StoryThe Art of Memoir: Discovering and Deepening Your Story
The Art of Memoir: Discovering and Deepening Your Story
 
Storytelling tips from pixar animator
Storytelling tips from pixar animatorStorytelling tips from pixar animator
Storytelling tips from pixar animator
 
How to write characters presentation3
How to write characters presentation3How to write characters presentation3
How to write characters presentation3
 
5 new
5 new5 new
5 new
 
22 rules of storytelling
22 rules of storytelling22 rules of storytelling
22 rules of storytelling
 
The Photographic Essay
The Photographic EssayThe Photographic Essay
The Photographic Essay
 
Through different eyes - Describing pictures
Through different eyes - Describing pictures Through different eyes - Describing pictures
Through different eyes - Describing pictures
 
The curious incident_tn
The curious incident_tnThe curious incident_tn
The curious incident_tn
 
Critical Narratives
Critical NarrativesCritical Narratives
Critical Narratives
 
Once Upon a Story
Once Upon a StoryOnce Upon a Story
Once Upon a Story
 

Similar to 2015personalessay

McClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docx
McClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docxMcClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docx
McClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docx
andreecapon
 
Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introducti
Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introductiGlesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introducti
Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introducti
MerrileeDelvalle969
 
106 slides Nov 21 & 23
106 slides Nov 21 & 23106 slides Nov 21 & 23
106 slides Nov 21 & 23
Daniel Feldman
 
The curious incident of the dog in the night
The curious incident of the dog in the nightThe curious incident of the dog in the night
The curious incident of the dog in the night
ajdk
 

Similar to 2015personalessay (20)

Intro to Memoir, Spring 2016
Intro to Memoir, Spring 2016Intro to Memoir, Spring 2016
Intro to Memoir, Spring 2016
 
How to do a close reading
How to do a close readingHow to do a close reading
How to do a close reading
 
Introtomemoir2015
Introtomemoir2015Introtomemoir2015
Introtomemoir2015
 
493843457-Lesson-4-Patterns-of-Development.pdf
493843457-Lesson-4-Patterns-of-Development.pdf493843457-Lesson-4-Patterns-of-Development.pdf
493843457-Lesson-4-Patterns-of-Development.pdf
 
10 ramilap2
10 ramilap210 ramilap2
10 ramilap2
 
Visual Rhetoric, January 28, 2013
Visual Rhetoric, January 28, 2013Visual Rhetoric, January 28, 2013
Visual Rhetoric, January 28, 2013
 
Literary analysisppt
Literary analysispptLiterary analysisppt
Literary analysisppt
 
McClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docx
McClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docxMcClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docx
McClintock-Walsh ENGL 151 Assignment Sheet Final PaperLength.docx
 
MS1 key concepts booklet 2014
MS1 key concepts booklet 2014MS1 key concepts booklet 2014
MS1 key concepts booklet 2014
 
Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introducti
Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introductiGlesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introducti
Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming qualitative researchers An introducti
 
Introtomemoir
IntrotomemoirIntrotomemoir
Introtomemoir
 
The Idea for Writers. The Foundation
The Idea for Writers. The FoundationThe Idea for Writers. The Foundation
The Idea for Writers. The Foundation
 
Ewrt 2 class 6
Ewrt 2 class 6Ewrt 2 class 6
Ewrt 2 class 6
 
Remix, Culture and Identity
Remix, Culture and IdentityRemix, Culture and Identity
Remix, Culture and Identity
 
106 slides Nov 21 & 23
106 slides Nov 21 & 23106 slides Nov 21 & 23
106 slides Nov 21 & 23
 
Learning Object: Analysing the Short Stories of J G Ballard
Learning Object: Analysing the Short Stories of J G BallardLearning Object: Analysing the Short Stories of J G Ballard
Learning Object: Analysing the Short Stories of J G Ballard
 
The curious incident of the dog in the night
The curious incident of the dog in the nightThe curious incident of the dog in the night
The curious incident of the dog in the night
 
Major assignment 3 lecture one_the prompt
Major assignment 3 lecture one_the promptMajor assignment 3 lecture one_the prompt
Major assignment 3 lecture one_the prompt
 
How to Analyze a Model Essay for Imitation
How to Analyze a Model Essay for ImitationHow to Analyze a Model Essay for Imitation
How to Analyze a Model Essay for Imitation
 
Ewrt 2 class 6
Ewrt 2 class 6Ewrt 2 class 6
Ewrt 2 class 6
 

More from Julia Goldberg

More from Julia Goldberg (20)

2022timeandplot.pptx
2022timeandplot.pptx2022timeandplot.pptx
2022timeandplot.pptx
 
Intro to Creative Writing Portfolio
Intro to Creative Writing PortfolioIntro to Creative Writing Portfolio
Intro to Creative Writing Portfolio
 
Revision and Theme
Revision and ThemeRevision and Theme
Revision and Theme
 
Shapes in Fiction
Shapes in FictionShapes in Fiction
Shapes in Fiction
 
Practice Writing Workshop
Practice Writing WorkshopPractice Writing Workshop
Practice Writing Workshop
 
Point of View
Point of ViewPoint of View
Point of View
 
Time and Plot
Time and PlotTime and Plot
Time and Plot
 
2020 fictional places
2020 fictional places2020 fictional places
2020 fictional places
 
Characterization, Part 2
Characterization, Part 2Characterization, Part 2
Characterization, Part 2
 
Characterization, Part 1
Characterization, Part 1Characterization, Part 1
Characterization, Part 1
 
Writing Habits & Sensory Detail
Writing Habits & Sensory DetailWriting Habits & Sensory Detail
Writing Habits & Sensory Detail
 
Welcome to Class
Welcome to ClassWelcome to Class
Welcome to Class
 
SFCC Revision Workshop Spring 19
SFCC Revision Workshop Spring 19SFCC Revision Workshop Spring 19
SFCC Revision Workshop Spring 19
 
April 29 presentation
April 29 presentationApril 29 presentation
April 29 presentation
 
Workshop April 17
Workshop April 17Workshop April 17
Workshop April 17
 
Flash Fiction
Flash FictionFlash Fiction
Flash Fiction
 
Workshop Prep and Exercise
Workshop Prep and ExerciseWorkshop Prep and Exercise
Workshop Prep and Exercise
 
Theme
ThemeTheme
Theme
 
Critique Workshop Exercise
Critique Workshop ExerciseCritique Workshop Exercise
Critique Workshop Exercise
 
Workshop 1Details
Workshop 1DetailsWorkshop 1Details
Workshop 1Details
 

Recently uploaded

Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
ciinovamais
 
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdfVishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
ssuserdda66b
 

Recently uploaded (20)

How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POSHow to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
How to Manage Global Discount in Odoo 17 POS
 
Unit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptx
Unit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptxUnit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptx
Unit-IV- Pharma. Marketing Channels.pptx
 
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
TỔNG ÔN TẬP THI VÀO LỚP 10 MÔN TIẾNG ANH NĂM HỌC 2023 - 2024 CÓ ĐÁP ÁN (NGỮ Â...
 
Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...
Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...
Explore beautiful and ugly buildings. Mathematics helps us create beautiful d...
 
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptxICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdfVishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy  Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
Vishram Singh - Textbook of Anatomy Upper Limb and Thorax.. Volume 1 (1).pdf
 
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptxBasic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
Basic Civil Engineering first year Notes- Chapter 4 Building.pptx
 
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptxSKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
 
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
How to Give a Domain for a Field in Odoo 17
 
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptxHMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
 
2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx
2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx
2024-NATIONAL-LEARNING-CAMP-AND-OTHER.pptx
 
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the ClassroomFostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds  in the Classroom
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
 
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning ExhibitSociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
Sociology 101 Demonstration of Learning Exhibit
 
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptxUnit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
 
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
 
ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701
ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701
ComPTIA Overview | Comptia Security+ Book SY0-701
 
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptxGoogle Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
Google Gemini An AI Revolution in Education.pptx
 
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.pptApplication orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
 
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdfFood safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
 

2015personalessay

  • 1. THE REPORTED PERSONAL ESSAY Also known as our next project
  • 2. ISN’T MEMOIR A PERSONAL ESSAY?  Yes, it is.  Within the framework of creative nonfiction, we have a variety of forms, such as memoir, essays, literary journalism, flash nonfiction etc.  One way to think about these various forms is to think about what they have in common (rooted in reality/ true stories; use of creative writing techniques such as those we have discussed  But a key difference between memoir and a reported essay might be looked at as internal vs. external
  • 3. MEMOIR VS. REPORTAGE  In memoir, the main “source” for information is usually the writer and the writer’s memory (internal reportage).  In some cases, such as with David Carr and David MacLean—and for longer narratives—the unreliable narrator may talk to others.  But in reported essays and literary journalism, the sources may stretch farther than those close to the original source to the outside world (external)
  • 4. WHY REPORT?  Interviewing sources, and research, can enhance and deepen our topics  Interviews and research provide credibility  Moving outside our own brains and experiences broadens our expertise, knowledge and ideas for all writing  This is why so many nonfiction and fiction writers work in both genres—because there is so much cross-over in the techniques of gathering information for a story and for the techniques of writing fiction and creative nonfiction  (And also because non-fiction provides more opportunities to publish and get paid to write)
  • 5. INSIDE WORLD + OUTSIDE WORLD “This is one of the central imperatives of combining personal material with history or criticism or reportage: each thread must do some work that isn’t being done by another; that can’t be done by another.” —Leslie Jamison (Empathy Exams)
  • 6. MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: Did reading this essay make you feel itchy?
  • 7. THE DEVIL’S BAIT “For Paul, it started with a fishing trip. For Lenny, it was an addict whose knuckles were covered in sores. Dawn found pimples clustered around her swimming goggles. Kendra noticed ingrown hairs. Patricia was attacked by sand flies on a Gulf Coast beach. Sometimes the sickness starts as blisters, or lesions, or itching, or simply a terrible fog settling over the mind, over the world.” (The Devil’s Bait, Leslie Jamison)
  • 8. “DEVIL’S BAIT” INCLUDES:  Personal and external reportage  Scenes, exposition and an overall shape  Description and metaphor  Reflection and exposition Group activity: To analyze Jamison’s essay and its use of the elements of creative nonfiction, then share with the rest of the class for a larger discussion.
  • 9. SPECIFIC TASKS  Group 1: Structure: As a group, look through the piece and make observations about the overall shape of the piece, as well as observations about the use of scene versus summary. How would you say the piece is organized?  Group 2: Imagery and metaphor: As a group, look through the essay and identify examples of visual imagery and metaphor used by Jamison. How do these examples bolster the piece as a whole?  Group 3: Identify places where Jamison “reflects” on her topic. What is she saying in this piece? What is its point/ theme?  Each group should be prepared to share observations from each topic with the class today for a larger discussion.
  • 10. WRITING EXERCISE: PICK A COLUMN places hobbies beliefs vacation sports religion hometown gaming friendship Bucket list cooking politics Road trip knitting Activist arena
  • 11. DON’T THINK: WRITE  Write everything you know about the topic you’ve chosen  You can write a scene in which the topic takes place  You can write a list of everything you know  If you’re stuck, start with the sentence: “here’s what I know about...”  Write for 15 minutes, then we’ll read
  • 12. NEXT STEPS  Take what you’ve written, and write a complete draft.  Don’t stop for research (we’ll do that next): just write to the end  If you hate your topic, you can pick a new one, but you need to bring a complete first draft to class next week  Length is not important (two pages is sufficient)  We’ll be working in pairs next week to look for places to bring in “reportage” to the piece

Editor's Notes

  1. Let’s look first at “Devil’s Bait” by Leslie Jamison
  2. Talk about this essay as part of the book
  3. What is the effect of starting this way? How would you describe this beginning?