English Language and Literature ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 4-20-2018
Abstract
The goal of this manuscript is to construct an essay collection representing the various essay styles I enjoy. The essays track the narrator from childhood to adulthood through various situations, while coalescing around the theme of how memory and experience of youth impact decisions and actions later in life. I show how memory is translated into action, how we choose to ignore/fight some memory and experience, but embrace others when it comes to important moments in our lives, such as confronting social issues, addressing insecurities as a parent, dealing with grief and loss, etc.
Several essays are connected by the thread of growing up in poverty with an estranged, alcoholic father, and how these memories influenced my approach to fatherhood. My father was mostly absent growing up, but the moments we were together were often defined by emotional abuse toward my mother, my siblings, and me. In addition to family issues, I delve into social justice themes, such as poverty, racism, and LGBTQ acceptance. Regardless of the subject, all essays dip back and forth between childhood and adulthood and contain memories and/or experiences reflected upon by the adult narrator. Even in the more research-based work, this reflection is present. In keeping with the thematic preoccupation of memory, I experiment with multiple forms of the essay; traditional, segmented, research-based, etc.
Degree Name
MFA Creative Writing
Level of Degree
Masters
Department Name
English
First Committee Member (Chair)
Greg Martin
Second Committee Member
Lisa Chavez
Third Committee Member
Daniel Mueller
Fourth Committee Member
Marisa P. Clark
Fifth Committee Member
Mark Sundeen
Keywords
memoir, nonfiction, creative writing, fatherhood, parenting, alcoholism
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Howe, Steven D.. "Accidental Curators." (2018). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/engl_etds/229
