Writing With Purpose

"Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write."
— Rainer Maria Rilke
Ideas and themes for writing more often come naturally to the writer, however, who is to say which ideas are pen-worthy? There are many topics or situations that a writer can select for a theme. For example: death, love, hate, friendship, nature, human attitudes, human failure and so on. Some of these topics are not bedtime story material, but that’s perfectly fine. Why? The reason is because life is complex. Life is full of beauty that is not only revealed through gentle sentiments but also through trials and humbling situations. This is why when we write we can express ourselves through a variety of topics. Choosing what to write about is not the issue, it is finding a reason to write. When writing successfully, if the topic makes the author laugh, the audience will laugh; if the author cries, the audience will cry.

One can take “The Boys Next Door” as an example of a seemingly controversial topic. The play is about four grown men who are mentally retarded. The script is quite comical. Is it appropriate, however, to find humor in the endearing situations of the mentally retarded? We discussed this question in class. Some people thought it was better to not bring up topics that might make others uncomfortable. Would that do any good in the end however? Real life is out there, as are the mentally challenged. The way that the play was written was not only endearing but it has the ability to open the eyes of the people who might feel “uncomfortable” reading a play like this. Familiarity with conflictive topics always helps people think in a broader perspective. Going back to what I said previously, I don’t believe there is any topic that has to do with life that is beyond the limits of literature, as long as there is a purpose. Purpose gives sense to every conversation, poem or play. What is it that we want to communicate? On what areas of life do we want to shed light over? I believe with this in mind, there is no prohibited topic or situation. It is purpose that gives meaning and life to our writing.