It’s been fourteen years since the attack on 9/11. Fourteen
years ago marks the year when 2015’s high school freshmen were born, with no
recollection of the events that transpired. Fourteen years since eyes were
frozen on TVs across the nation. Fourteen years since phone lines were
ceaselessly connecting mourning friends and family just wanting to be in touch
with each other. A contact that was tangible, or at least possible, to fill the
now prodigious chasm that was created during the fall of the Twin Towers.
Tragedy strikes when you least expect it, and I believe that’s
how you should write about it. Tragedy should be written in a way that hits a
little too close to home. It isn’t something that could be devalued; the
emphasis of whichever tragedy struck will always make someone stop in their
tracks. Though, it shouldn’t be written in an acerbic or cold-blooded manner—it’s
one of the writing styles that should elicit the most emotion from the
audience. Tragedy desires agitation, it has an appetite that wants to consume
the attention of the audience. As a writer, feed the audience with the truth.
People undergoing tragedy yearn to be bandaged from the wounds it caused, and
as a writer, it’s important to express the truth but also maintain awareness to
what the audience endures. Reaffirm the audience that they can partake in a
solution. It’s not necessarily imperative to empathize with your reader, though
maintain a steady understanding with them. Write in a way that pulls their
heartstrings, in a way that unifies the audience as a whole—no matter which
side they’re coming from.
Though I personally don’t recall the tragedy of 9/11, it’s impact
has remained. Anecdotes and pictures have been passed down, stimulating the
solemn respect deserved for those whose lives were lost. As Shakespeare’s
written tragedies have remained, so will the modern day tragedies echo
throughout history. Write about tragedy to help your audience make amends with their
adversity.
Ms. Dizon, you touch upon the fact that tragedy strikes when people least expect it. However, I must admit I am a bit confused, are you saying that a writer should write about tragedy that strikes too close to home in order to bandage the wounds, or emit an emotional response, or both? I must say though, I enjoyed reading this. The tone you use throughout the blog post is really pleasant to read. I enjoy your writing style and insights, please keep it up!
ReplyDeleteEmmeline, I like the insight you had about tragedies and how they should be written in a way that hits close to home. I too believe that when writing about tragedies you should try to shine some light on the event. I also think that the writing should be relatable to everyone who was affected by the event.
ReplyDeleteYou say that when writing tragedy, the author should seek to tell the truth, but later go on to say the writer must write in a way to pull the audiences heartstrings. Could this be seen as a way of manipulation? You seek to tell the truth, but mold your story in to something different.
ReplyDelete