Week 6: Memoir Analysis

 1. Lena Dunham's memoir pulled me in immediately. When I was six years old, death scared the shit out of me. The word alone brought me to tears. Images of death flooded my brain and my chest thumped rapidly. The start of my anxiety which later led me to therapy. So I personally feel a connection to Dunham. Attending therapy at a young stage is a big step. The community memoir I didn't connect with as much. I've never been in a similar situation. However, I must admit there are awkward family encounters every now and then. Out of the two, I see myself more in Dunham's piece. 

2. The community blog tells more than it shows. The writer tells me her cousin made herself at home. I'm told she's like the older the writer's never had. The memories are filled with laughter, but where's a memory with them laughing together? There are no sensory details with this piece. I don't see the restaurant they're in. I can't picture the parking lot where they embrace. 

Dunham on the other hand shows more than she tells. She describes her fourth grade, Kathy, as a "plump, pretty woman with hair like yellow pipe cleaners." I picture Dunham's therapist, Lisa, sitting on the floor like a schoolgirl across from Dunham in the office. Dunham recalls her memories with great detail. 

3. I do get a truth-telling in these stories. Dunham's story sounds so singular. These are events only she experienced. The writing is honest and thoughtful. The second story isn't as detailed or entertaining to be honest, but it feels earnest. The main difference between the stories is that Dunham is a published writer and well-known celebrity. She has more writing experience. Whereas, the writer of the second story is most likely a student still honing her craft.  

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