Committee Chair

Babine, Karen

Committee Member

Einstein, Sarah; Beech, Jennifer

Department

Dept. of English

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

The craft paper explores the functionality of narrative voice in nonfiction and examines how to utilize voice to master sculpting storytelling to resonate with readers. The paper seeks to view narrative voice in terms of a vessel for the reader to explore, to drive the scene, and to guide the action and how each one works within the narrative. Through original work, I examine my relationship with my mother and grandmother, tracing how societal expectations and racialized pressures shaped their lives and, ultimately, my own. As an African American woman, I navigate themes of racism, the significance of appearance, and the burdens of achieving the so-called "Black idea of success." This paper highlights how storytelling preserves identity, challenges stereotypes, and gives voice to experiences often overlooked.

Degree

M. A.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts.

Date

5-2025

Subject

African American women--Social conditions; Creative nonfiction; Narration (Rhetoric); Storytelling--Social aspects--United States; Strong black woman stereotype; Women, Black--Identity

Keyword

nonfiction; voice; voice utilization; narrative voice

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

v, 69 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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