The Power of Writing to Heal Us and Help Us
Date of Award
8-12-2011
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Liberal Studies
Organizational Unit
University College, Arts and Culture Management
Disciplines
Arts and Culture
First Advisor
Jennifer Zukowski Boughn
Keywords
Writing, Healing
Abstract
This project seeks to showcase the healing benefits of writing about trauma or grief. Writing is a powerful tool in the healing process and has been used regularly by psychotherapists for the last few decades. The literature contends that writing, specifically in a narrative format, will help people move beyond their pain. The memoir recounting my father's death serves to display my attempt to heal through writing. The memoir also embodies the elements of the craft of writing: showing versus telling through metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism and active voice; characterization, both indirect and direct; the juxtaposition between character and place to create tension; the combination of scene and summary to incorporate flashbacks; and the first person point of view.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Strassburger, Sarah, "The Power of Writing to Heal Us and Help Us" (2011). University College: Arts and Culture Management Capstones. 70.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_mals/70