Perspective

How can our perspective contribute to the meaning of an event? In what way does a writer’s relationship to the people, places, and events she describes influence her writing? How might a memoir differ from a biography or a historical account? Why do you think perspective has the effect it does?

Our perspective of an event determines its significance in our life and what kind of an impact the event will imprint on us. For instance, we may perceive a school transfer as either a positive opportunity for change and building new experiences, or we can view it as something dreadful and unappealing. Perspective also plays a part when observing specific people and places, determining the feelings and emotions that are associated with such.

The writer's relationship to the people, places, and events described may influence the writing greatly. This may result from past experiences the author has underwent with these people or in these places or events. Depending whether the experiences are positive or negative, the author may portray the people, places, or events in the light or with prejudice. These feelings associated with such people, places, or events may be revealed through the author's tone.

A memoir differs from a biography or a historical account because it reveals the author's feelings regarding the events, people, and places in their lives. A biography or a historical account can't take on the perspective of the subject they are writing about. This is why memoirs have a huge advantage over biographies or historical accounts.