Graduation Term
2018
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of English: Writing
Committee Chair
Kass Fleisher
Abstract
This dissertation opens with a critical introduction that examines the role persona, reader, and implication play in the composition of the personal essay. Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory is then applied as a tool in an essayist’s exploration of how one’s communication choices impact life experiences. This section is followed by an explanation of the subject matter of the essays. The pedagogical chapter addresses the author’s experience with the student-centered teaching of a first creative writing class, lessons learned, theorists who affected the process, and suggestions for improvement as the author moves forward in postsecondary teaching. The dissertation concludes with a collection of creative nonfiction essays precipitated by the author having entered the young-old cohort.
Access Type
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Marcia Irene, "Old: a Personal Essayist’s Reflections of an Aging Adult" (2018). Theses and Dissertations. 833.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/833
DOI
http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2018.Taylor.M