Final answer:
The author includes this personal reflection to emphasize the importance of candid communication and the consequences of failing to express one's true feelings in maintaining relationships. It serves both as a moment of personal testimony and as a signal to readers to value authenticity in communication, connecting individual stories to the broader context of societal discourse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's purpose for including this reflection is to illustrate the significance of effective communication and vulnerability in personal relationships. By sharing personal experiences of lost connections due to a failure to communicate, the author highlights the importance of expressing oneself honestly and the consequences of not doing so. This reflection shows the reader the human aspect of communication and encourages them to consider their own experiences and understand the broader implications of their interactions with others. It serves as a call to action, prompting readers to engage in conversations that matter, and to adopt strategies like vulnerability and reflection that can lead to personal growth and meaningful connections.
Through this narrative, the author connects personal experiences to larger cultural conversations, exemplifying Kenneth Burke's metaphor of the academic discussion as an 'unending parlor conversation.' In doing so, the author underscores the idea that personal writing, critical reflection, and openness in communication are not only parts of private growth but integral to shaping collective cultural understanding. The inclusion of this personal reflection works to bridge individual experience with communal discourse, inviting readers to join the dialogue and consider the role of their own voice in the broader conversation.