The type of memoir that a person writes- either fictional or factual- effects how we perceive the events in the work. If, for example, Augustine's Confessions was changed from fact to fiction, his modern audience would have much less sympathy for and understanding with the narrator. It is hard enough for members of a modern, secular society to completely relate to Augustine's religious struggles, heavy on rhetoric and light on detail as it is. With the lack of a story and more philosophical monologues, few readers looking for a fictional account of the 4th century Roman Empire will find an enjoyable read.
If modern readers would find a lack of enjoyment in Augustine's 'fictional' memoir, they would find a jarring account of segregation and racism in early 20th century America in Ralph Ellison's 'factual' Invisible Man. Ellison's prolific use of detail, showing the human race with all of its flaws but deserving of redemption, creates a picture of America under Jim Crow that rings true to those who have learned American history at the end of the 20th century. Even if the story did not actually happen, its reads to be true enough for those with a basic knowledge of American social history to earn plausibility.
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Hum, I wonder if Augustine ever entertained the thought of a 21st century audience relating to his texts! A mildly ridiculous extrapolation if one's to think of it, but here we are, witnessing his grapple with religion, centuries later...
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