Answer: Aly Raisman’s memoir Fierce details how the Olympic gymnast began her athletic career and rose to prominence in her sport. Throughout the text, Raisman emphasizes how her loving, supportive mother encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Her nostalgic voice recalls fond memories with her family as she grew up and became interested in gymnastics. Raisman wistfully thinks back on a “warm July evening” when her grandfather first raped the US womens gymnastics finals for her mother and she “can still see her” playing that tape in the VCR. Raismans attitude toward both gymnastics and her mother is undeniably positive. She writes that gymnastics was bother her and her mothers “favorite sport.” By describing her mothers “knowing smile” and using casual language such as “popped the tape,” Raisman creates a comforting mood for her readers. When Raisman depicts her mothers “air of satisfaction” upon playing the gymnastics tape for her, she brings the elements of voice, tone, and mood together to convey her mothers clear support for her eventual profession as a gymnast.
