TOW #3: An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (IRB)

         An Invisible Thread, written by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski, conveyed a connection between a busy sales representative and a young boy. This connection would define them both, changing their lives in unfathomable ways. The autobiography commences as Laura Schroff, then the busy sales representative, was saw a youthful boy begging for money on the street. Rather then keep walking, however, Laura chose to return and begin a life-long friendship. The young boy, Maurice, who had grown up on the streets and never had anyone to trust, was about to obtain an irreplaceable relationship. Throughout, Laura reveals the impact of simple human connection on life. The diction implemented within the flashbacks and dialogue aids Laura, as she plunges deep within a relationship of two distinctive people. The past is revealed to have evident impacts on Laura as she takes Americans deep within events that shaped who she is today. Similarly to Maurice, Laura’s past was filled with unspeakable violence and abuse from her alcoholic father that shaped her current person. The American audience is drawn to create parallels between the past of Laura and Maurice’s current reality as Laura appeals to pathos and creates empathy. By including these instances, the connection between Laura and Maurice seemingly influences Laura as much as it does Maurice.  Dialogue is also used to establish and communicate this purpose.  The impactful connection between Laura and Maurice comes to life as a result of the diction used during conversation. Following his first proper birthday party, Maurice says, “Bye, Laurie… I love you.” A vast amount of emotions are displayed in this single instant. Love is something that humanity longs for. Revealing such a connection with another opens the eyes of all readers to the significance one meaningful relationship can have on two people.  Maurice, who had never experienced love in his days on the street, finally had a caring friend to call his own. Laura, whom had been deprived of a stable family, had a son of sorts to call her own. Thus, the devices implemented within this autobiography successfully communicated purpose to the audience.