Saunders and DWF

My favorite idea that Saunders proposed was the idea that in order to explore political ideas in the highest possible way, you need to embody it in the personal. Saunders believes that the personal is something that no one can deny, regardless of political stance. If you put an idea in a human connection, people will rise to the occasion and feel the human pain in a way that they might not if it was presented in a more conceptual way. This idea can be applied to DFW’s short story about 9/11. DFW describes the way he personally experienced the day we all remember: September 11^th. Since most of us remember vividly the day America was attacked, DFW left a lot of the details of the day out.  This also can be applied to Saunders idea, which is to leave out as much as possible. DFW focuses more on his individual feelings, thoughts, and emotions as the day of 9/11 unfolded. The more efficient he became, the more respectful he was being to the reader. Saunders said efficiency would imply greater intimacy with the reader. DFW used very vivid images that allowed the listers to relive that tragic day from a new perspective.

Saunders’s techniques can also be used in my own writing. Even if I don’t write about politics, I can still use a personal approach in my story in order to form a connection with my audience. I can use Saunder’s technique to take a more intuitive approach to story telling. I could start with an idea, not really fully understanding the significance behind my idea, and let it form into a story that will eventually secrete meaning.  Then, I can revise my story to take out as much as possible, focusing only on my feelings towards the experience. I can start by pointing out the flaws in each of my characters, and then begin to revise each of the characters. This, like Sanders explains, will make the characters more three-dimensional and loveable. This personal approach will also be something that no one can deny, no matter his or her opinion of the subject.