diaryofawannabeewriter

[diaryofawannabeewriter]

The Paradox of...Nostalgia?

Once, in a collection of book reviews that appeared in the New York Times, Anatole Broyard penned the article, "Mulchpile to Megalopolis." He wrote, "It is one of the paradoxes of American literature that writers are forever looking back with love and nostalgia at lives they couldn’t wait to leave." (1974) As a literary critic and writer himself, his statement reflects a broad observation on the nature of American Literature as a whole, in spite of his era. It's worth noting that the 1970s had no notable circumstances invoking such assessments of its society, however, Broyard did write this before the boost in autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs that focused on drama. The quote continues to be a "universal absurdity" to American literature long after its time. Indeed, a quick gaze will tell you it is a paradox, it's simple logic. (Bear in mind, Broyard seems to utilize logos in his reflection. It is common sense to read the statement and deduce from one's ability that Broyard is infallibly correct.) Broyard's statement is a generalization, and similar to other generalizations there are counterarguments and exceptions. Needless to say, it is open to interpretation however you see fit. I do want to propose that this contradiction is not just of writers, but rather the act of nostalgia. Anatole Broyard implies that the writer's desire to move away from their pasts and their inexplicable inclination to fondly revisit and idealize those memories is contradictory in nature. He does not consider the why in the act of doing so. Let us logically process this. Humans tend to reflect on their experiences for various reasons. Particularly, individuals can reflect on their past experiences for confirmation of their identity. Acknowledging previous adversities they have endured gives a sense of empowerment and courage to the human mind. Artists, particularly writers, embrace nostalgia as a means to imbue their misfortunes with beauty. It provides them with a profound sense of identity, courage, and empowerment. There is debate surrounding the factuality of nostalgia and memories. There is no doubt that human memory is not reliably factual in all accounts. Perhaps, that is the paradox Anatole Broyard speaks of. How can we nostalgically reflect on our tragedies without having all the intricate details at hand? The grim, dark, dreadful elements. Though, if we do not make light of this world? What is there left to do? How may we stay good if we are constantly burdened with the grimness of our misfortunes? Regardless of literary genre or period, all writers write through the lens of their own. It is a human tendency, an inclination. Our labor, toil, and efforts stem from our undesirable pasts.

I do not believe it is a paradox of literature, or writers. But, a paradox of nostalgia.