Power Of Nonfiction

The power of nonfiction stems from its ability to address universal themes while simultaneously impacting the reader. By focusing on universal themes, nonfiction pieces resonate with larger audiences that find the subject matter relatable and often reflective of their own observations and societies. The nonfiction pieces written based on diverse perspectives permit the reader to witness the world through the eyes of the author, and simultaneously recall personal experiences. Portraying diverse viewpoints and ideas, authors of nonfiction pieces hold the ability to alter their reader’s opinion. In particular, the four nonfiction essays display their potential to evoke reflection and response through the depiction of universal themes, especially cultural values and barriers.

To inform the audience of a greater cause and incorporate significance into their works, authors of a plethora of nonfiction essays

interweave their writing with ubiquitous and thought-provoking messages. In “Grandmother's Sunday Dinner”, Patricia Hampl describes the significance of tradition in binding individuals together and the role customs play in restoring the influence of older generations. Tradition not only causes “power [to leave] the second and third generations and returned to the source,” (Hampl 56) but more importantly provides individuals with a sense of belonging in the form of a “sweet and starry… vast family security” (56-57).

On the other hand, traditions play an entirely different role in the the Chinese society of “Plight of the Little Emperors”. Unlike the closely knit Czech family of Hampl’s account, Chinese families emphasize success rather than unity as parents “bemoan their only child’s desire for instant gratification, excessive consumption, and a life free of hardship” (Psychology Today 45) in order to complete the “parents’ own dreams [which] had been dashed during China’s Cultural Revolution” (43). Presenting the goals of Chinese society, the writers depict how the past experiences of older generations impact the expectations set in place for younger generations and the negative outcomes, such as mental crises, that result from superimposing success. In her essay “What is Poverty?”, which displays the harsh realities of an impoverished life, author Jo Parker convinces the reader of the difficulty involved in breaking out of traditional cycles established by the values of society. Parker understands that her presence in the world of poverty will

affect the lives of her children; her inability to provide her children with adequate resources or education assures her that “[her boys] will turn to other boys who steal to get what they want... and [for her] daughter... there is... a life like [Parker’s]” (Parker 259). Unlike Parker, writer David Counts did not live in poverty, but rather witnessed the gift-exchange practices of the impoverished village of Kandoka, Papua New Guinea, in “Too Many Bananas”. Counts demonstrates to the reader the way in which individual perspectives influence how people view outside cultures and how they attempt to conform. Despite making an effort to adhere to the unfamiliar customs of the village, “even fifteen years was not long enough to relieve the need for lessons” for Counts’ family.
Culture represents the basis of society, and every culture entails its own set of beliefs and ethics. The ability of the nonfiction writers to illustrate the discrepancies that arise among various cultures and the resulting cultural barriers produced represents an asset in writing engaging and powerful pieces. Because each piece includes the traditions and values of a certain group of people, the authors depict the impacts of such values upon the lifestyles of individuals. NEED HELP Finishing this up…