Chapter 1: Elements of Creative Nonfiction
Chapter 1: Elements of Creative Nonfiction
What is Creative Nonfiction?
Creative Nonfiction (CNF) is a literary genre. It's often considered the fourth genre along with poetry, fiction, and drama. It uses the elements of fiction writing, but creative nonfiction only works if it's based on truth, "an accurate retelling of the author's life experiences."
Four Major Categories of Creative Nonfiction
ESSAY - The author's worldview or experiences are essential to the writing. The plot is the arc of the writer's thinking as they work through a topic, situation, or experience.
MEMOIR - record or reflection upon past events. More focused on time or circumstances and focuses specifically on how the writer's history shaped their present self.
CULTURAL CRITICISM - an investigation or reaction to an interpretation of specific artifacts or aspects of the culture.
JOURNALISM - a report on public events or current affairs of the general public interests; it becomes literary journalism when the author brings their perspective into the reporting.
Creative Nonfiction borrows elements from fiction - plot, characterization, physical atmosphere, thematic complexity, stylistic appropriateness, etc. - while also working with lyrical, dramatic, meditative, expository, and argumentative elements. Annie Dillard, the author, says "The essay can do everything a poem can do, and everything a short story can do-everything but fake it."
A remarkable example of creative nonfiction and self-discovery is Cheryl Strayed's Wild. In this text, Strayed shares her own story of hiking the 1,000-mile Pacific Crest Trail while interweaving her experience with reflections on her past and struggles. Strayed doesn't shy away from her mistakes, flaws, or vulnerabilities but invites the reader to confront their imperfections and challenges, which fosters a sense of authenticity and relatability. The book is personal and allows the reader to connect with her journey on an emotional level.
The physical journey through the Pacific Crest Trail serves as a metaphor for Strayed's inner journey of self-discovery and healing. She tackles obstacles of the trail while confronting her inner demons, the devastating loss of her mother to lung cancer, the divorce from her husband, and her struggles with addiction. Her unique story explores themes of loss, grief, redemption, and self-discovery.
Strayed also utilizes creative techniques such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and vivid sensory descriptions to bring her story to life.
Read Chapter 1 from Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. You can find copies of this text available at most public libraries or download a sample chapter (check Amazon).
Discussion Questions:
1. How does Cheryl Strayed's decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone reflect her state of mind at the beginning of her journey? What does it suggest about her character and motivations?
2. What significance does Cheryl attach to her overstuffed backpack, both physically and symbolically? How does it represent her, her past, and her reasons for embarking on this journey?
3. What difficulties does Cheryl encounter before starting this journey?
4. What are your initial impressions of Cheryl Strayed based on the first chapter? How does the author establish her voice and perspective?
5. Identify examples of how the author uses language, imagery, and metaphor. How do these literary techniques contribute to the overall tone and themes of the book (and first chapter)?
(Source: Star Sessions)
Things to Note from This Interview:
1) Not the type of questions the interviewer asks the group. In the beginning, the interviewer makes a point of asking each person (Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Cheryl Strayed, and Bruna Papandrea) specific questions about their role with the film, Wild. Each question acts as an introduction to the individual but is also well researched and informative.
2) The interview makes a point of giving background information (e.g. introducing information about Cheryl's daughter) before directing the question. This strategy shows the interviewer is well informed about the content but also helps provide prior information that viewers may not know to the conversation so that the interview is more inclusive.
3) Even though this project is the result of Cheryl Strayed's self-discovery, the interviewer does a good job of highlighting each individual and their contributions. Each person is allowed to share their voice and experience without overshadowing another person.