Searching for the Self: Classic Stories, Christian Scripture, and the Quest for Personal Identity

by Adrian T. Smith

But before we get into plot, let’s pause and consider how the other elements of story might factor into the construction of your own personal narrative. The following list of questions is suggestive rather than exhaustive . . . Story Elements Autobiographical Questions Setting How does your “world” constrain your possibilities, by operating “to allow certain kinds of experience and to prohibit others”?* Is your world a safe and hopeful place, a dangerous and hopeless place, or somewhere in between? How do social and cultural “backstories” (from previous generations) impact your role in the world? Character Do you see yourself as the main character in a story? Who are your antagonists and allies? Do you see yourself in terms of a “collective” character, i.e., a member of a group that has a distinctive role in the world? Does your personality have any fixed traits that shape your role in the world? Do you hold to any fixed values that shape your role in the world? Point of View When you tell anecdotes from your life, what is your stance or tone as a narrator? Self-aggrandizing? Self-effacing? Self-justifying? Ironic? Satirical? Wistful? Thankful? Resentful? (Etc.) Medium What are the advantages and disadvantages of writing your life-experiences (say, in a journal)? Does writing lead to clarity or discovery? What are the advantages and disadvantages of conversing about your life-experiences? Does feedback from listeners make you modify your personal narrative? * Tilley, Intro...