Thesis Statement: In his personal essay, “The Things We Carry,” Brett explores the idea that the memories we carry with us can shape who we are and how we see the world. He uses a variety of literary techniques, including imagery, metaphor, and allusion, to create a vivid and moving portrait of the power of memory.

Analysis:

Brett begins his essay by describing a memory from his childhood. He remembers being on a camping trip with his family, and how he was scared of the dark. He recalls hiding under his sleeping bag, listening to the sounds of the forest, and feeling alone and afraid. This memory is significant because it foreshadows the themes of the essay. It establishes the idea that memories can be scary and isolating, but also that they can be powerful and transformative.

Brett goes on to describe other memories from his life. He remembers being bullied in school, feeling lost and alone after his parents’ divorce, and struggling with his identity as a gay man. These memories are all painful, but they also teach Brett valuable lessons about himself and the world. They help him to understand that he is not alone, that he is strong, and that he is capable of overcoming anything.

Brett uses a variety of literary techniques to create a vivid and moving portrait of the power of memory. He uses imagery to evoke the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of his memories. For example, he describes the “dark, endless forest” that he was afraid of as a child, and the “cold, hard ground” that he slept on under his sleeping bag. He also uses metaphor to compare his memories to “baggage” that he carries with him throughout his life. This metaphor suggests that memories can be heavy and burdensome, but they can also be valuable possessions that we can learn from and draw strength from.

Brett also uses allusion to connect his personal experiences to larger themes. For example, he alludes to the Greek myth of Sisyphus, a man who was condemned to push a boulder up a hill for eternity. This allusion suggests that Brett feels like he is constantly carrying the weight of his memories, but that he is also determined to keep moving forward.

Through the use of imagery, metaphor, and allusion, Brett creates a powerful and moving essay that explores the idea that the memories we carry with us can shape who we are and how we see the world. He shows us that memories can be both painful and beautiful, but that they are always valuable. They teach us about ourselves, they help us to connect with others, and they give us the strength to overcome anything.

In addition to the literary techniques mentioned above, Brett also uses a variety of other rhetorical devices to construct his argument. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize the importance of memory. He repeats the phrase “the things we carry” throughout the essay, which serves to remind us that memories are always with us, whether we like it or not. He also uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and challenge them to think about the power of memory. For example, he asks the question, “What are the things you carry?” This question invites the reader to reflect on their own memories and how they have shaped their lives.

Brett’s personal essay is a powerful and moving exploration of the importance of memory. He uses a variety of literary techniques and rhetorical devices to create a vivid and memorable portrait of the power of memory. His essay is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of their memories, but also the strength that they can provide.