Walking the Branches

Abstract

This thesis project examines the process of grief as it is reflected in creative writing – poetry, essay, and prose. The introductory chapter previews each of the sections of the project, and many of the individual pieces, as the narrator reflects on and responds to personal grief. Literary devices are examined as a means to navigate the tension in familial relationships during the turbulent time of grieving as well as exploring the interiority of the individual challenged by this very real aspect of humanity. The remaining sections are comprised of original creative writing pieces, varied in length, style, and convention.