Memoir

Definition of Memoir

• A memoir is a form of autobiographical writing in which a writer shares his or her personal experiences and observations of important events or people. Often informal in tone, memoirs usually give readers information about a particular person or period of time in the writer’s life. In contrast autobiographies focus on many important people and events in the writer’s life over a long period of time.

“from Woodsong”

• Woodsong is a memoir by Gary Paulsen who lived in northern Minnesota with his wife and son in a cabin without electricity or plumbing.

• He raised dogs and trained to race them.• There were few people, but many wild

animals around him.

Definition of Imagery

• Imagery consists of words and phrases tht appeal to a reader’s five senses. Writers use sensory details to help the reader imagine how things look, feel, smell, sound, and taste.

Some images from “from Woodsong”

• the smell of meat over the kennel• the smell of meat draws them like flies• had a white streak across his head

• Please locate other examples of imagery; be prepared to discuss the contribution that vivid imagery makes to a selection.

Other Examples of Imagery

• hens . . . we couldn’t stuff and eat• [The goats} spent a great deal of time with

their back hair up, whuffing and blowing snot at the bears

• and give off a burnt food smell• the bears know the sound of the hunter’s

gun means there will be a fresh gut pile• I could smell his breath and see the red

around the sides of his eyes.

Author’s Purpose

• What does Paulsen now think about his place in nature? Identify the line in the last paragraph that tells you this.

• . . . I am nothing more and nothing less than any other animal in the woods.