How to Become a Writer

Identity Through Purpose is a theme that shows up throughout Self Help, as well as in the story “How to Become a Writer.” This theme manifests itself through Francie’s search for an identity and profession that make her happy, despite what those around her think she should be or do. The relationship between being and doing is clear from the very title of the story. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that one who writes might not be a writer without the suffering one must take on to truly fulfill this role. The first line furthers this binary: “First, try to be something, anything, else” (1), as if the nature of what one does for a living directly connects to who one is and what they are to become.

As Francie struggles to accept that she is a writer, the events recounted all revolve around questions of her identity and purpose. One is seen as inextricably linked to the other. When Francie, who is notoriously bad at plot, reads one of her stories aloud in class, the other students call it “outrageous and incompetent.” However, if the work is flawed, then she must be, too, which is shown when another classmate asks if “[she] is crazy.