English 414 Creative Nonfiction

"Creative Nonfiction focuses on real events that a writer has either directly experienced or has learned about in various forms, such as observation and research, that are connected to the writer’s life. Essential elements of the Fiction genre are employed, including a narrative plot structure with scenes (people and subjects in action), memorable and descriptive details, and character development. However, an important difference between the two genres is that successful Creative Nonfiction requires the portrayal of ‘truth’ (what has actually occurred), along with thoughtful reflection of the events on the writer’s life, to convey meanings and significance that go beyond individual experience."  (English 414 Course Description)

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According to The Fundamentals of Literary Criticism, the critical process is comprised of four steps:

Step I: Interpretation

What is this text actually about?

Now is the time to:

• Look up unfamiliar words.
• Examine the tone the author uses. The definition of a word may change depending on the context.
• Consider how language changes when using it in everyday life compared to more technical language.
  • For example, "heart attack" and "myocardial infarction" mean the same thing. A more technical term may be used to describe something with more precision. It also maintains its definition, whereas everyday terms may change meaning over time.

Step II: Orientation

It is easy to become caught up in the author's point of view and reject a text.

Before doing so, consider:

• What are the author's ideas?
• What are the ideas of the author's intended audience?
• What are the circumstances and expectations surrounding the lives of the audience?

Step III: Evaluation

After steps I and II, evaluation of a work often arises naturally. A true evaluation of a work occurs when the reader is certain they see the literary work as it was intended to or should be seen. At this point, the reader forms their judgment of a work, whether it is good or bad and why. This is done without attributing personal tastes to the work.

Step IV: Articulation

At this point, the reader is ready to share their ideas with others. By taking action, the reader opens themselves up to others' critical opinions of works, allowing a dialog to begin.

Roberts, Mark. The Fundamentals of Literary Criticism. Oxford, England: Basil Blackwell Limited, 1974. Print.