Blog Post #5- BBG Chapter 2

I decided to blog about Chapter 2: Narrative Genres because it applies directly to the assignment we are doing right now. I found this chapter interesting because it shows that narratives have been part of our culture since the ancient times. When telling someone about our day, even if only a couple of sentences, we are still creating a narrative because it is a story. Stories have been used as a form of entertainment as well as a way of learning. As students, when we think of a narrative, it is usually perceived as a story about a significant event that has happened in our life that we are required to write about. Rather, narratives have so many more purposes. They can spark change, like Frederick Douglass’s story on being a slave which helped start the abolitionist movement, or to persuade others. These narratives allow us to connect with an audience on a more personal level rather than spitting out facts to try to prove our point. This is an important aspect of writing because by having people relate to a situation, this may change their point of view. We are taught that things are only valid if you have facts to back up your information but this chapter suggests otherwise. I found that by using ethos or pathos, the audience could identify to that experience. I enjoyed this chapter particularly because it showed that not every piece of writing needs to be cookie cutter and perfect.