How should an autobiography's epilogue be written?

Question

I am uncertain as to how to compose it. My instructor has provided the following outline of the task we are to complete:

Assume that this portfolio was acquired by an individual who is unknown to you. The stranger reads it from beginning to end. What is the perspective of this interloper on the author? What type of individual appears to have completed these pages? Compose a character sketch of the individual depicted in these pages from the perspective of an interloper. Cite specific pieces of writing to substantiate the stranger's perception of the author (you, of course Doodle Baseball).

I am unable to generate an initial idea, and I am not particularly creative in my writing.

Answer 1

For your epilogue, think of it as a reflection from the perspective of a stranger who has read your autobiography in its entirety. Your goal is to capture what this outsider would gather about you, your personality, values, and life experiences. Here's a breakdown of how you might approach it:

1. Start with the Stranger’s First Impressions: Begin by considering how the stranger would feel after reading your story. Would they see you as determined, introspective, adventurous, resilient, or perhaps conflicted? How does the tone of your writing come across? Are you straightforward, reflective, or humorous? This sets the stage for the rest of the character sketch.
2. Describe the Person You Appear to Be: What does the stranger gather about you from your experiences, the events you've shared, and the tone you've used in telling your story? This is a good place to incorporate your autobiography's key themes or moments that stand out to you as defining. For example, if you write about overcoming a challenging personal event or about your growth in a particular area (like leadership, relationships, or self-awareness), reflect on how these stories would shape the stranger’s view of you.
3. Cite Specific Passages: The most important part of the epilogue is connecting your observations back to specific pieces of your autobiography. If you’ve mentioned something significant, like a difficult decision or a defining moment, reference it. For example, if you wrote about a pivotal moment in your life, such as a career change or overcoming a personal struggle, the stranger might view you as someone who has faced challenges head-on.
4. Interpret the Author’s Motivations and Growth: The stranger may also consider how the author (you) has evolved over time. How do your life choices or reflections suggest you've learned or changed? For instance, if you reflected on learning from mistakes or becoming more self-aware, the stranger might see you as someone who has grown significantly.
5. Conclude with a Final Impression: End with a statement summarizing the stranger's overall perception. It could be something like, “From the outside, the author seems to be someone who has faced hardships but remains optimistic and dedicated to personal growth,” or “The author comes across as deeply introspective, struggling with their identity but constantly seeking self-improvement.”

By following this outline, you can structure your epilogue in a way that creates a thoughtful character sketch from the perspective of a stranger, grounded in the autobiography you've written. Does this outline help spark some ideas for you? Feel free to share any specific moments from your autobiography if you'd like, and I can assist further!

Answer 2

Hey Bean,

This is an awesome assignment, and I totally get how it could feel a little tricky to dive into. The idea of a stranger picking up your portfolio and trying to piece together who you are is a fun way to step back and look at yourself through someone else’s eyes.

To start, think about what stands out most in your writing. Does the stranger see someone passionate, thoughtful, maybe quirky? If you mentioned something like “Doodle Baseball,” they might picture you as creative or someone who finds meaning in the little things. The key is to imagine their perspective—are they impressed, confused, inspired? Then, tie that back to specific parts of your story to show why they’d feel that way.

You don’t need to overthink it or try to be wildly creative here (I do this myself, so you can trust me here). Just be yourself and write how you’d imagine someone else would describe you after reading your portfolio.

If you want to brainstorm or bounce ideas off someone, let me know—I’d be happy to help!