Short Answer 
The article by Memmott presents factual information about Trujillo’s dictatorship, focusing on documented events and statistics, while Alvarez’s memoir offers a personal perspective that highlights the emotional and social consequences of Trujillo’s rule based on her parents’ experiences. Together, these texts illustrate how objective and subjective approaches can enhance understanding of historical events.
Step 1: Understand the Focus of Each Text
The memoir and the article both address the historical figure of Trujillo and his dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. However, it is important to recognize their different focuses. The article by Memmott concentrates on presenting factual information regarding Trujillo’s reign, highlighting the documented events and statistics related to his governance.
Step 2: Explore the Nature of Perspectives
In contrast to the article, the memoir authored by Alvarez offers a more intimate portrayal of the dictatorship’s effects. This personal perspective draws from her parents’ experiences during that era, allowing readers to grasp the emotional and social ramifications of Trujillo’s rule. The memoir therefore enables a deeper understanding of the human impact behind historical facts.
Step 3: Compare Approaches to Informing Readers
While both texts aim to inform about Trujillo’s dictatorship, they do so through distinct approaches. The article presents an objective viewpoint, sticking to verified facts, whereas the memoir provides a subjective insight by sharing personal stories. This comparison illustrates how different narrative styles can enrich the audience’s understanding of shared historical events.