Mla Citation For M Train

Memories are windows into the past. They allow us to relive our greatest victories, and remember our worst defeats. In her memoir M Train, author Patti Smith explores the theme of memories in great detail. She provides us with a collection of her own experiences, which outline important moments throughout her life. In doing so, Smith challenges the memoir “status quo,” by opting to employ a unique narrative structure that reflects the theme of its contents. In M Train, the topic of memories relates to Smith’s quest for meaning by allowing her to reflect on her past experiences and to more precisely understand herself as a deeply, emotionally connected person. Throughout M Train, Smith often reflects on memories that she is reminded of during

She is able to use her memories of others to gather their best characteristics to use for herself. For instance, when Smith is feeling sad after the passing of her husband and brother, she recalls a memory: “I soon recognized Todd’s humorous spirit, and as I continued my walk I slowly reclaimed an aspect of him that was also myself—a natural optimism.” (Smith, p. 189). In remembering her brother Todd, Smith notes his “natural optimism,” as a trait that she can borrow to better herself. Furthermore, adapting her brother’s positive qualities will allow her to preserve her memory of Todd in her own personality. In addition to this, Smith is able to preserve Fred’s memory in multiple ways. A notable form of preservation comes from her recalling Fred’s experience with one of his toys. Smith recalls how Fred lost his favorite toy cowboy Reddy and how it was returned to him after he wished for it to be so (Smith, p. 194-195). She makes a connection to her losing her own beloved object and now associates the idea of lost objects with her husband. However, rather than focusing on the negatives of loss, she has a unique viewpoint in which she focuses on the hope of finding such objects again. This ensures that the memory of her husband is safe from detriment. Furthermore, as a person who believes in deep and complex connections, she can look forward to reuniting with her husband by appreciating his presence in her own life. The characteristics that Smith has drawn and the associations that she has made serve her by assisting her in recovering from her losses and setting her back on the right track in