Exploring Types of Loss in Visual Media and Literature

Written and developed by: Isabella Washabaugh

Introduction

There are very few things every human being goes through. Every single human experience is unique, with different highs and lows. However, one type of feeling every person will experience is loss. Some may only experience few losses in their lifetime, however others may experience it frequently. Loss is defined as the fact or process of losing something, a form of loss could be losing money, or you can lose weight, however there are other types of loss that are more obscure.

This portfolio is a compilation of many different forms of loss as seen in the readings of "Literature a World of Writing”, by David L. Pike and Ana M. Acosta. These forms of loss can be seen in many ways by many different people, with some forms being more widespread whilst others are more individualized. The idea of this project is to compare loss seen in literature with loss in popular visual media today, with examples in art, adult TV and movies, and even animated children’s movies. These forms of loss will then

be compared to real life with the consequences in the literature and media compared as well.

The forms of loss discussed include loss of compassion, loss of a sense of self, loss of reality, loss of trust, loss of humanity, loss of freedom, loss of perspective, and loss of communication. Each essay will explain these forms of loss and include my own account on these types of loss and my ideas surrounding them. These essays are for everyone, as the forms of loss discussed can be very common in everyday life, however some forms are more widely thought about than others.

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