Journal Two

“What She Gave” by Anne Lamott was an intriguing read. It started off as very critical and a rather harsh interpretation of a mother’s contribution to the growth and development of her child. Lamott tells vividly of the atrocities with which she was forced to deal with in growing up. Before she even touches on any of that, however, she tells a very short narrative which provided a beautiful transition from present life to a reminiscent account of her life. The basis of the transition was her son saying, “But you’re my mom…I’m supposed to come to you with my problems.” This transitioned into Lamott wishing she had a mother in which she could bring her problems to. In fact, “she [Lamott’s mother] was my problem.” This clearly is not a way a child should think of her mother and this was a tear-jerking moment for the reader. Lamott did this beautifully. She employed pathos to the fullest right here. No one likes to hear a child think badly of their mother, but most people can see how she feels because chances are they have experienced a time or two where their parents acted differently that they “should” have. Throughout the memoir, the reader feels her pain along with her and, finally, feels the inspiration and lessons learned.

Lamott’s intended audience is basically anyone who has had a parental figure or has been a parental figure. Lamott is able to keep her audience interested because of the story’s relevance because all of her readers’ knows just what she means when she talks about a parental figure not doing the “best” possible. Everyone has experienced is and thus, everyone can relate to her feelings. “…parents were supposed to affect the life of their child in such a way that the child grows up to be responsible, able to participate in life and community.” All parents can see that as their responsibility and all children can think of a time when their parents played that significant of a role in their lives.

Lamott changes her approach drastically toward the end of the memoir, again providing the typical flip-flop that everyone experiences. She gets a sudden inspiration while looking into her child’s eyes that her mother actually gave her a lot of things to become a great person and parent. Lamott’s mother instilled in her the traits of generosity, “survival,” and a “gift for friendships.” Despite Lamott thinking her mom was somewhat of a failure of a mother, it turns out that she actually was very effective at instilling great characteristics in her child and thus her grandchild.

In my memoir, I hope to be able to as effectively utilize pathos, because that is what makes a good memoir great. I also want to be able to captivate, and hold the attention of, my audience. I want to be able to reach my audience effectively and make my story relatable to as many people as possible. I want my memoir to be great and doing all of these things will help me do so.