I recall a book called The Golden Bough. This well-known study of religious practice suggests that the early stage of society develops the idea of the class by telling people stories. Intelligence people can make up creditable and reliable stories and make others follow their orders. Therefore they became the ruler of a tribe and people believe they have some power greater than the others. Such as, to power to foresee the future or communicate with the spirits. Those abilities are all made up for sure.

Yes, it reminds me of a TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It is about the way we draw boundaries by telling a single story of other cultures. For example, we see African is a place of poverty and disease. The truth is many cities in an African country is just as developed as cities in another continent. Telling stories like this creates stereotypes. The fact is we are not so different in the modern world.

Why is that? Is that the nature of all human beings? Is there any way to portray the truth?

Conclusion of this section: Human tells identical stories to idealized themselves and their communities, separating themselves from other groups.

Agree! I tell stories like this as well. Sometimes I will exaggerate or reduce the context just to make the central message more dramatic and outstanding.

  I enjoy telling the story in an informal tone. By doing this, the readers will feel relaxing and curious about what is going on. That is to say, reading a story that is more enjoyable than an introduction that has lots of academic thesis .However, it depends on whether the story is interesting as well.

In the beginning, I think the letters from Elizabeth are very touching and her behavior is very admirable. Using this way to let her daughter remember her is the least a mother can do when she is gone. However, as things progressing, the problems within every family are shown in the letters. That is to say, the unavoidable conflict between the two generations is present. Such as, her mother is religious while her daughter chose to leave the church. In this case, it is more intense and depressing than ever. The reason is Rebecca, the daughter, is arguing with someone that she could communicate. This is a single dialogue, a conversation she could not avoid or give feedback. I think she is depressed and vulnerable. Overall, the letters are meaningful and also burdensome.

The way Rebecca remembers her lost husband is probably more positive. It is an act of remembering the good things and move on. It is right to leave space for the one you love and let them grow up without interventions. I think a better way for the mother to compose the letters is to keep those encouraging words and avoid the unpractical and high expectations.