Final answer:
Ta-Nehisi Coates describes learning to interrogate himself through writing as a process of self-examination and critical thinking. He considers writing an act that develops new ways of thinking through pressure and failure. This rigorous approach affords him a dual perspective in his work, enriching both the personal narrative and the analytical aspects of his writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Ta-Nehisi Coates mentions that he learned to interrogate himself through writing, he is referring to the process of self-examination and critical thinking that he engages in as he writes. Coates views writing as a method for applying pressure to his own ideas, which forces him to develop new ways of thinking and understanding.
He believes that this rigorous process involves a great deal of failure, as ideas are constantly revised and refined before they can be successfully communicated on the page. Moreover, the act of writing allows for a dual perspective, one in which he is both the protagonist and the narrator, providing a unique viewpoint that enhances the narrative depth and introspective quality of his work.
By using personal anecdotes and current events in his writing, as seen in his articles and his book Between the World and Me, Coates creates a powerful blend of personal narrative and social commentary.
This approach brings a deep emotional resonance to his work, as readers are invited to connect his individual stories to broader historical and cultural themes. In essence, writing becomes a transformative process, wherein Coates uses the craft to explore and understand his own identity, experiences, and the world at large.