The main goal for a fiction writer is to make what is considered to be unbelievable become true. While the job of a nonfiction writer is to make what is already believable to be proven with fact, if that be the goal. "To make things more complicated, writers of fiction use fact to make their work believable." (Roy Peter Clark)
I believe that creative nonfiction should interpreted in the same way as fiction. Let me show you why. When reading creative nonfiction, there are often ideas that latch onto the reader in similar ways as fiction. Keep in mind that the job of the reader does have a right and wrong way to it. I do believe that there is a correct way to interpret a nonfictional piece. If someone is writing a memoir, there is obviously a specific story that is essential to the big picture. But what is that bigger picture? The memoir is true, we already know that, but what can we do to make this memory/reality become something more personal? More creative?
"The literature of reality, with all of the pain and the secrets that authors confess, is helping to connect the nation and the world in a meaningful and intimate way." (Lee Gutkind) Getting to know what the author goes through personally when reading creative nonfiction is something that intrigues us all and can also help make it more creative in our minds. In other words, we are all emotional creatures that enjoy writing about how we feel, which is where biases are born.
Readers are just as guilty when it comes to bringing out their emotional side. Whenever I read a nonfictional piece, my brain automatically goes into a more logical state. I mainly look for evidence and truth, but there is also the little voice in the back of my mind asking 'how does this relate to you?' The definition of fiction is 'literature in the form of prose that describes imaginary events and people.' So for when I read a fictional piece, I look at imagery. What picture is the author trying to put into my head while my eyes glide over the words? What is similar about both of these is the fact that I try to figure out what message the author is trying to get across to me. That's the main similarity. Therefore, if we interpret these two genres in this same specific way, it'll then become easier to encounter the bigger picture: The message.
So then what would be the line between reality and imagination? *please insert sponge bob meme* I believe that fine line is the moment the author starts to 'show' rather then 'tell.' So, what kind of goals should we have when interpreting? Search for the main idea and make sure you have the drive to better understand where the author stands emotionally. This mainly happens when the author begins to write in scenes. "Writing in scenes represents the difference between showing and telling." (Gutkind) Therefore, whenever we are reading anything (creative nonfiction or fiction,) we are seeking for the same things in the writing. The message, the bigger picture, and of course the emotion, which is why I believe that creative nonfiction should be interpreted in the same way as fiction.
Work Cited
Clark, Roy Peter. "The Line Between Fact and Fiction." Creative Nonfiction. N.p., 2001. Web. 02 Oct. 2016.
Gutkind, Lee. "What Is Creative Nonfiction?" Creative nonfiction. N.p., 2012. Web. 02 Oct. 2016.
