Creative Non-Fiction (True Narratives and testimonies)
The True Narrative and Testimonio (Definitions, Examples, and Critique)
Creative Non-Fiction have different types and forms. But, we will focus on two which is the True Narratives and Testimonio.
What is True Narratives?
A true narrative essay is a story based on actual events. You compose a true narrative essay about an incident that you experienced or observed. The purpose in telling the story is to express a point or observation.
A narrative is a story. A true narrative essay is a true story, with plot, action, suspense characters and setting which delivers a theme (a lesson observed). The events in your essay represent the facts.
A true narrative is the most informal of the various types of essays, thus it does not follow a set format because you are telling a story according to your sense of style – the narrative voice (the art or process of telling a story or giving an account of something). The diction (choice of words to fit your context) and your ability to construct the telling of the story in order to interest and provoke the reader are essential. Metaphorical (all language that involves figures of speech or symbolism and does not literally represent real things) expression is one popular device in crafting the art of storytelling that appeals to your reader.
Examples:
These examples came from New York Times- an American daily newspaper based in New York City. It covers domestic, national, and international news, and comprises opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews.
For Lundqvist, a Summer of Joy and Sorrow
Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist reflects on the death of Derek Boogaard and the plane crash in Russia that killed the players and coaches of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
By JEFF Z. KLEIN Sept. 15, 2011
Glamour in the Skies
Emirates Airline, which provides mostly long-haul flights, is one of a half dozen airlines that cultivates an elegant image for its cabin crew.
By CHRISTINE NEGRONI Sept. 5, 2011
What Happened to Air France Flight 447?
Two years after it fell out of the sky, the main part of the wreckage has been located at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. But will the mystery of the crash ever be solved?
By WIL S. HYLTON May 4, 2011
What is Testimonio?
A testimonio is a first-person account by the person (narrator) who has faced instances of social and political inequality, oppression, or any specific form of marginalization.
Testimonio, a Spanish term understood as “witness account”, embodies a narrative research methodology rooted in Latin American history.
Testimonio , is directly translated to the English word “testimony,” but there are important differences between the two words. “Testimonio” is a literary genre and is not bound by the same legal obligations to “truth” which are equated with “testimony”. Testimonio is generally considered a fact-based first person narrative of injustice, seeking to represent the experiences of a larger social group, with the aim of rallying support to create more just future. While there may be similarities, testimonio is not the same as other non-fiction genres such as biography, autobiography, and historical texts.
As opposed to other forms of creative non fiction, in testimonio it is usually the narrator her/himself who is the research tool, with an interest in telling the story from that individual perspective which, in turn, represents a larger, collective story that took place in the community that the narrator inhabits.
Example:
The tweet "Trial by Twitter" by Holli Millea (an example from the previous lesson) offers statements from the persons involved in the case, including the police, Skylar's friends, her parents, and others, so it can also serve as an example of testimony.
Critiquing: It’s about time
The example I chose to critique is “For Lundqvist, a Summer of Joy and Sorrow” by Jeff Z. Klein and Jeff Blair
(https://archive.nytimes.com/slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/lundqvist/)
Introduction
1. Writer's name: Jeff Z. Klein and Jeff Blair
2. The title and the source if any: “For Lundqvist, a Summer of Joy and Sorrow” (https://archive.nytimes.com/slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/lundqvist/)
3. Thesis statement: Henrik Lundqvist discusses his career with the Rangers, his hopes for the upcoming season, and the impact of the offseason tragedies.
Summary
Summarize the author's purpose and main points/evidence cited that are used for back up.
* Henrik Lundqvist acknowledges he is running out of time to win a Stanley Cup with the Rangers.
* He expresses his excitement about the upcoming season, including the signing of Brad Richards and the HBO series leading up to the Winter Classic game.
* Lundqvist reveals his personal connection to the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash victims and admits to having moments of anxiety while flying.
* He recalls the shock of teammate Derek Boogaard's death and hopes players will look out for each other more in the future.
Evaluation
1. Develop an understanding of the main argument or purpose being expressed in the work: The interview provides a well-rounded perspective on Lundqvist's thoughts on his career, the upcoming season, and the recent tragedies that affected the hockey world.
2. Consider how the work relates to a broader issue or context: The article effectively portrays Lundqvist's dedication to winning a Stanley Cup while also acknowledging the fleeting nature of his playing career.
3. State whether the writer is successful in making his/her point: His personal stories about the plane crash and Boogaard's death add depth and a human element to the piece.
Conclusion
1. Stating whether you agree with the writer or what part of the text made an impact and deep Impression on you: The article successfully delivers a personal and insightful look at Henrik Lundqvist's outlook on hockey.
2. Back up your decisions on agreeing and disagreeing or state your reasons: Lundqvist's honesty about his anxieties and his hope for a stronger team culture is impactful.
3. Give your general opinion of the work: This is a well-written piece that provides valuable insight for Rangers fans and hockey enthusiasts alike.
