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Over the years, I have found that the concepts of destiny and fate, which explained so many things for Greeks in the centuries before the Christian era also explains so much about the characters of a memoir.
If understanding the interplay between destiny and fate worked for the Greeks, why not for us memoir writers?
Over the years, I have found that the concepts of destiny and fate, which explained so many things for Greeks in the centuries before the Christian era, also explain so much about the characters of a memoir. Sometimes the concept has proven to be the key to unraveling the meaning of a life.
A refresher on Destiny and Fate
Let me take just a moment to refresh your understanding of destiny and fate.
Destiny can be described as “what you are meant to be.” It is what the Christians label as “What God wants me to be” or “What I was placed on earth to be and do.” It is often called your potential.
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Thank you Denis, a most insightful lens through which to view/read a memoir, or to write one. I appreciate your generosity in the sharing of your extensive knowledge.
I always appreciate exploring the tension between an individual’s destiny and that person’s fate. While we each have considerable freedom in self-actualizing, we are also greatly restricted by factors that we have no control over.
William, I hope your writing goes well.
I used this technique when I wrote about my mother, who rejected an offer to perform off-Broadway after college graduation. Instead she chose to teach English in a small town in northern Minnesota and eventually marry a banker. She compensated by singing in her church and community choirs, as well as acting and directing in community theater, but I don’t think she ever quite accepted her fate.
My father too never accepted his fate and lived with much unhappiness. May we continue to struggle for alignment in our own lives. Thanks for your share.