[Solution]Kelly Grey Carlisle “Physical Evidence” (Touchstone, pp. 89-96), and Cheryl Strayed “The Love of My Life” (Touchstone, pp. 500-513)

In the two readings “Physical Evidence” by Kelly Grey Carlisle and “The Love of My Life” by Cheryl Strayed, there are many similarities to be found between the two works. They both discuss the idea of physical evidence in relation to memories, love, relationships and the pain experienced from them. Both authors explore how physical objects can bring back memories and emotions associated with those objects that linger long after a relationship has ended. However, they differ in their approach as Carlisle examines how physical evidence can help with closure while Strayed discusses how it can make it harder to move on and leave behind a past relationship.

Write a compare/contrast paper on one aspect of these two readings. Readings: Kelly Grey Carlisle “Physical Evidence” (Touchstone, pp. 89-96), and Cheryl Strayed “The Love of My Life” (Touchstone, pp. 500-513)

Both stories focus on physical evidence that is left behind after a romantic relationship ends. For Carlisle, this takes form in an old keychain she was given by her ex-boyfriend which serves as a reminder of him but also helps her come to terms with their break-up and eventually let go of her feelings for him. On the other hand, for Strayed, this takes form in letters written between her and her former lover that keep reminding her of their time together whenever she rereads them. She ultimately finds it hard to throw away these mementos because doing so would mean having no tangible remnants from her previous life with him.

In terms of emotional connection formed through physical items, both readings examine similar processes but end up at different conclusions: whereas Carlisle believes letting go is beneficial while Strayed argues that wanting to hold on is natural even if unhealthy sometimes. This difference becomes especially clear when looking at how each author deals with their respective physical evidence: while Carlisle throws away or destroys hers due to its painful reminders; Strayed decides not only to keep hers but also voluntarily reads through them over again regardless of knowing they will bring up difficult emotions inside herself every single time she does so. Such contrasting approaches result in diverging results: while one grants acceptance which leads towards progress (Carlisle), the other forces stagnation due to refusal (Strayed).

Despite these differences however, both authors agree on one aspect: Physical evidence can act as either hindrance or guide depending on our outlook about it instead of automatically serving as one thing over another – much like any situation we find ourselves into during life itself. Furthermore, both pieces suggest that such decisions fall upon us alone since we know ourselves better than anyone else ever could; thus making our own judgment something worth trusting more than anything else out there when facing tough times linked directly or indirectly related with our pasts lives (such us complicated relationships).