As I was reading My Book of Life by Angel, I thought it was
interesting that throughout the book she would bring up Milton’s Paradise Lost, as well as some biblical imagery.
Before the interview, I thought that had contributed to the form (as Paradise Lost is an epic poem, and Angel
seemed to enjoy him a lot); however, she brought up that the form provided a
distance between the story and he readers (as she’s broken, and writing to
herself, it gives her voice). As I was reading, I found myself cringing in certain
parts because of the struggles, and feeling sad for Angel. She didn’t make it
graphic as she could’ve, so I wasn’t focused with the specifics, but, instead,
Angel’s perception and feelings were present for me. I also liked, going back
to the interview, that through poetry, she was able to tell the truth in the
way she presented her story.
In One Hundred Birds Taught Me to Fly, on pg. 70, her
mission companion tells her “we are not here to save them, we are only here to
minister to them.” Throughout the first 1/3 of the book she contemplates saving
and what it means to be “lost.” As she does so, she is vulnerable, as she talks
about her own family and some of the people she met throughout her life (for
example, marriage, divorce, and death). That vulnerability helps shape her
character and the story.
I like your emphasis on vulnerability. That was definitely a theme throughout. Her first and second impressions sections also bring out that vulnerability as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree I think the vulnerability is a key part of the story and her writing. Her story definitely depends on it.
ReplyDeleteI mean, if you are going to be writing something in poetry, there isn't a lightning rod larger than Paradise Lost. This adds so much depth to a piece that is rich in experience, but now cross examines itself in history
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