What does Joan Didion mean by 'We tell ourselves stories'?

She means that we create narratives in our minds to make sense of the world around us. These stories can be about our past, present, or future. For example, we might tell ourselves a story about why a relationship ended in a certain way to deal with the pain or confusion.

Well, 'We tell ourselves stories' implies that we construct stories as a form of self - understanding. We use them to interpret events, whether good or bad. For example, when we face a setback, we might tell ourselves a story about how it's a learning opportunity or a test of our strength. It helps us deal with the chaos of reality by imposing a kind of order through these self - created tales.

Our self - perception is often based on the stories we tell ourselves. If we constantly tell a story that we are not good enough, it will shape how we see ourselves. For example, if someone fails at a task and then tells themselves they are a failure in general, their self - perception becomes negative.

Joan Didion's idea is very relevant to modern life. With so much information and so many experiences bombarding us daily, we need to tell ourselves stories to simplify and understand it all. For example, in the world of consumerism, we tell ourselves stories about the products we buy - that a certain brand will make us cooler or more successful. Also, in relationships, we create stories about our partners and ourselves within those relationships to make sense of the often - complex dynamics.

It helps us cope with life. For example, in difficult times, we tell positive stories to keep going.

One can learn the art of storytelling from her. Joan Didion's works in 'Telling Stories' show how to build a connection with the readers. She doesn't shy away from being honest and vulnerable in her writing, which in turn makes her stories more relatable. Her exploration of complex emotions and situations also teaches us how to handle similar themes in our own attempts at storytelling.

Joan Didion's short stories are typically characterized by a first - person narrative voice that gives an intimate and often somewhat detached view of the events and emotions. This voice allows readers to feel as if they are peering into the mind of the narrator, sharing in their experiences, doubts, and realizations. The settings are often real - world locations in California, which she uses as a backdrop to explore larger human experiences and the cultural and social climates of the times.

Joan Didion's short stories often have a sense of introspection. Her writing is characterized by sharp observations of the world around her. For example, she might describe the social scene in California with great detail, showing the undercurrents of the society.

Her writing style makes it special. Joan Didion has a distinct voice that stands out.

Another great work is 'A Book of Common Prayer'. It's a complex exploration of different cultures and relationships. The story is set in a fictional Central American country and follows the lives of various characters, showing Didion's skill in portraying human nature in a unique context.