Final answer:
The author may begin a memoir with a description of their current condition to set the scene, engage the readers by arousing their curiosity, and illustrate the impact of personal challenges, such as living with a disability. This creates an emotional connection and encourages empathy as the narrative unfolds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The memoir's beginning with a description of the author's current condition serves several narrative purposes and ultimately depends on the theme and motive of the memoir. When an author starts with such a description, it often helps to set the scene and arouse curiosity about the unfolding story. This approach can engage readers by providing a glimpse into the author's present situation, which can then be contrasted with past events as the memoir unfolds. It establishes a personal connection enabling readers to empathize with the author's circumstances. Taking the reader directly into the heart of her current condition ensures that the emotional impact and the seriousness of the subject are felt immediately.
For example, when an author is dealing with a physical or cognitive disability, starting with a current state description might intend to illustrate the impacts of that disability, offering a profound insight into the daily reality of living with such challenges.
This can help readers understand the long journey the author has undergone, and the resilience required to cope with the condition. Moreover, by sharing initial details about her condition, an author such as Ella Mae, with her background as a dedicated nurse, provides a standpoint that combines her professional clinical observation skills with her personal battle, thereby laying a foundation for a narrative of hope and perseverance.