theguardian.com
Memoir: Adelle Stripe's "Base Notes" Recounts Coming-of-Age Journey
Adelle Stripe's memoir, "Base Notes," details her coming-of-age experiences, complex relationship with her mother, and significant life events, including sexual assault and a reality TV appearance, while employing a second-person narrative and focusing on olfactory descriptions.
- How does the memoir's unique use of the second-person narrative affect the reader's engagement with Stripe's personal experiences?
- Stripe's use of the second person creates a distinct narrative distance, contrasting with the intimate nature of memoir. This choice, along with the omission of crucial details about pivotal events, shapes the reader's experience, leaving many questions unanswered. The memoir's focus on olfactory descriptions adds a stylistic layer, though its impact is somewhat uneven.
- What are the key events shaping Adelle Stripe's coming-of-age as depicted in "Base Notes," and what are their immediate consequences?
- Adelle Stripe's memoir, "Base Notes," recounts her coming-of-age, marked by a complex relationship with her mother and several significant life events, including sexual assault and a reality TV experience, the details of which remain undisclosed. The book is written in the second person, creating a unique but potentially distancing narrative style.
- What are the broader implications of Stripe's choices regarding disclosure and omission in "Base Notes," and what impact might these choices have on future literary discussions of memoir?
- Base Notes" ultimately charts Stripe's journey toward self-acceptance and reconciliation with her mother, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the long path to personal autonomy. The book's narrative choices, while unconventional, contribute to its exploration of themes of identity and self-discovery, suggesting future discussions about the boundaries and potential of memoir.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the author's journey towards self-discovery and independence, portraying the challenges she faced in overcoming her difficult upbringing. The use of second person may be seen as distancing, but it also contributes to the overall reflective and introspective tone of the memoir.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and descriptive. However, terms like "reckless daughter" and "overbearing parents" carry some subjective connotations, while descriptions of smells could be viewed as overly ornate and possibly distracting.
Bias by Omission
The memoir leaves out significant details about pivotal events in the author's life, such as the specifics of her reality TV experience and the circumstances of her pregnancy. This omission prevents a complete understanding of her journey and could mislead readers into thinking these events were less impactful than they might have been. While brevity is understandable, these omissions limit the depth of the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The memoir recounts the author's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, highlighting the importance of education and personal development in achieving one's potential. The author's pursuit of higher education, culminating in a doctorate, exemplifies the positive impact of education on individual empowerment and social mobility. This aligns with SDG 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.