How would you sum up what Andre Dubus III is saying in this memoir? Try to express in the sentence or two the significance to him of the events he relates.
Dubus focuses on two transformative experiences that affected his childhood. When his father leaves the Marines to become a writer, his life and environment change dramatically. The transformation of the author from a boy into a man is another major point of the story. At some point, he runs out in the woods, afraid to confront his mother; however, just a few weeks later, he is eager to assume responsibility for his family when his father leaves.
Dubus’s memoir is saturated with vivid details. Select three paragraphs from the different of the essay, and discuss what the details in them add to the story.
The second paragraph on page 891 highlights the positive changes in the father’s personality following his resignation from the Marines. Dubus shows his inner liberation through small details such as a new look and loud laughter.
The first paragraph on page 895 shows the author’s inclination to lessen the significance of the conflict between his parents. The sunrise and the abundance of familiar smells almost make him forget about the night quarrels between them.
In the fifth paragraph, on page 896, Dubus describes the dinnertime in detail. He recollects his mother’s cooking with tenderness and appreciation. He juxtaposes it with the hostility between the parents.
Dubus’ stance toward his father in this memoir is respectful but somewhat distant. Identify two passages that make his stance clear. Is the stance appropriate for the story he is telling? Why or why not? What does his stance reveal about his feelings toward his father at the time he wrote the memoir?
When his father comes crying to his room, the author can not relate to his father’s feelings. He underpins it by noting his inability to hug him back. Until the last moment, Dubus hopes that his father stays, especially when he hears his mother crying, but the latter does not fulfill his expectations. His stance toward his father is understandable as he selfishly leaves his family to pursue his own goals. As the author grows older, he can better appreciate his father’s influence on him and possibly relate to his feelings. As a result, he tries not to judge him, but rather impartially observes the events of the past in the memoir.
Dubus titles his memoir My Father Was a Writer. What is the significance of this title? Think of another title Dubus could have used and explain what would be lost or gained by doing so.
Dubus’ father’s occupation gave him a chance to acquire a taste for writing. The stories told by his father and the writers’ community atmosphere inspired him. He could title the memoir Growing Up to emphasize his psychological transformation in the end. However, it would make his father’s influence on his life look less significant.