My Literary Autobiography

Author

Institution

Introduction

Writing has always been a fundamental part of the human society. Indeed, a large number of fond memories pertaining to human society has been recorded in some form of writing, some discernible to the contemporary individuals, while some are yet to be cracked (Goatly, 2000). While writing has the capacity to pique an individual’s interests at an early age, I must admit that my experience with it is not so pleasant. Indeed, if I had the capacity to avoid writing, I would, undoubtedly, have shut it out of my life. Nevertheless, I could not always hide from my fears, in which case I have learnt to not only embrace writing but also cherish it as it prepared me for some real world experiences. Indeed, my capacity to express myself in writing underlines the fact that I would have the capacity to verbally voice my opinion rather than blindly following someone else’s opinion.

In my opinion, writing provides a gateway to a significantly more imaginative world where personal and societal issues would be relegated to the periphery. The images that the eloquently linked sentences and phrases portray give readers an opportunity to not only participate in the story but also be the character (Goatly, 2000). This, however, does not undermine the fascination and complication with which writing comes. It allows individuals to express their thoughts on any creative subject about which they think without any restrictions. However, the hardest part revolves around the incorporation of proper punctuation and grammar, as well as ensuring the flow of ideas. This would explain why I find it more preferable to read than dwell in the uncertainties that come with writing.

My earliest memories pertaining to reading revolves around the little cardboard books that allow little kids to master the alphabet. These books always incorporated graphics and pictures that made learning more fun and interest unlike learning the alphabet from a plain blackboard. With increased comprehension of these readings, I was introduced into the world of fairytales, which my parents read to me as bedtime stories. This would explain my soft spot and inclination towards fictions. Indeed, I, on countless occasions played the role of a princess and even believed that my prince charming would eventually take me to a magic castle built in the sky. While I no longer dream in that line, reading takes me to the fantasy world where I can be someone else living a different life. In some cases, I get immersed into particular stories and crave to change some scenarios in the stories or even think of varied solutions to the dilemmas that he character is facing. Of course, I get angry in instances where my favorite character uses a different technique and fails, while I clearly think that mine would have worked.

On entering elementary and middle school, there was an increase in the volumes of books that I was required to read. As stated, reading came as more preferable than writing as it did not require any intellectual input, unless, of course, it involved carrying out an analysis of a passage. In instances where I write, I would, undoubtedly, be required to engage in a rigorous process of determining the content, introduction and even conclusion of the passage, while also incorporating some flow in the passages. While I, generally, hated writing, there were some creative writing assignments that I particularly liked. Most memorable is a poetry project given to me in 9th grade that accounted for 50% of the 4th quarter grade. I was required to compose poems describing my family, myself and even newspaper articles, not to mention haikus, which was my all-time favorite. The fun pertaining to haikus revolved around the fact that it could be written from anywhere.

However, a writing assignment in my 8th grade underlined the fact that writing was simply not my field. While I cannot recall what the topic of the paper was, I remember the horrible grade that accompanied the numerous red-marked corrections in the paper. Indeed, this made the teacher to hold a chat with me in which he questioned my citizenship statues as she did not believe that a native English speaker could make such moribund mistakes.

On the same note, movies and television programs have influenced my choice of material, especially concerning reading and writing. I particularly dislike superhero movies, a hatred that has been transferred to literature that involves the same. However, my preference for reading rather than writing is influenced by the simplicity that comes with watching movies, as it does not require any creativity, unlike writing. On the same note, it influenced my preference for detective stories and thrillers.

In conclusion, literary works come as a form of expression that allows individuals to indicate the type of people they are. Indeed, the literary works that individuals enjoy are an indicator of their inner selves and even truer selves. As much as I do not enjoy writing as much as reading, writing comes as a one of the best therapies for stress as it allows me to release any bottled-up unhappiness in me. One the same note, I have come to the realization that literature is an extremely fluid concept that gets an extremely subjective definition. Irrespective of the different capabilities, likes and preferences, all individuals engage in some literary works, with some variations in the level of perfection.

References

Goatly, A. (2000). Critical reading and writing: An introductory coursebook. London [u.a.: Routledge.