Dorothy's Final Essay

The LDS literary canon is largely defined by LDS authors perception of the religion. While authorial intent is something to consider, I do not think that LDS authors need to be consumed with who their primary audience is. When expressing one’s faith it should be a genuine expression of beliefs and not altered to please a specific audience. I think it is encouraging when LDS authors define simple terms that are not familiar to someone outside of the LDS Church so that the context can be clear. I think many people use writing as a creative outlet to explore their own personal beliefs and doubts and that by trying to fit this writing to a specific audience, it limits the author. 

Regardless of the targeted audience, one’s beliefs might be challenged by those who believe otherwise. The representation of LGBTQ issues, Heavenly Mother, and as of more recent, the monetary value of the Church, are difficult topics to address when there is not a unanimous perspective from the LDS Church. Someone not familiar with the faith reading about these issues could be misled by an individual’s perspective that does not represent the opinion of the LDS Church. One would hope that someone reading about individual beliefs and faith systems would approach the topic objectively and strive to understand the greater good of why people participate in organized religion. 

Ashley Mae Hoiland’s book, One Hundred Birds Taught Me To Fly, finds a balance between writing for an LDS and non LDS audience. Hoiland admits that she does not have all of the answers and writes in poetry and prose to capture the emotion she often feels within the faith. Hoiland’s work can be beneficial for both audiences because while it is LDS, she addresses larger themes of religion like the nature of God and how to continue to love those who have chosen a different life from your own. Hoiland addresses difficult topics but never belittles herself or her faith, but rather writes as a way to work out ideas she is having. This is successful to people part of the LDS Church and not part of the LDS Church because it provides a space for readers to dwell on these topics. 

Personally, I was not as interested in works like The Seventh Son, because I feel like it was specifically written for an LDS audience. The allusions to Joseph Smith and other modern day revelations made me feel like I needed a concrete understanding of these things in order to best comprehend the text. It was not as appealing to be constantly reminded of the LDS allusions, and I think it is more beneficial to write a larger audience in hopes that part of your work will resonate with someone regardless of their beliefs. Obviously not everyone is going to agree with your individual writings. I think often we shy away from addressing difficult topics because we do not know all of the answers, but I also think there is nothing wrong with questioning things in a positive way.