1. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Feature Menu
Introducing the Story
Literary Focus: Setting
Reading Skills: Details

2. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote

3. A Christmas Memory Introducing the Story
“I am seven; she is sixty-something We are each other’s best friend ”
from “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote
From A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. Copyright © 1956 by Truman Capote. Reproduced by permission of The Truman Capote Literary Trust, Alan U. Schwartz, Trustee.

4. A Christmas Memory Introducing the Story
This semi-autobiographical story recalls the homemade traditions of two unlikely friends, distant cousins who are decades apart in age. In hard times they cook up rich and lasting cheer.
Hard Times What was the economy like in the 1930s?
Click here to find out.
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5. A Christmas Memory Literary Focus
Setting is so crucial in some narratives that the story could not take place anywhere else. Setting can include details about
time and place
season and weather
customs—how people eat, dress, and live and what they believe

6. A Christmas Memory Literary Focus
In this story Truman Capote asks us to imagine the rich details of a particular place and season. He portrays the mood of
a late November morning
a small town in the 1930s
an old house
a roaring fire in the kitchen
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7. A Christmas Memory Reading Skills: Reading for Details
Good writing is likely to follow the rule “Show, don’t tell.” A writer will use sensory details or images that appeal to our
sight
hearing
smell
taste
touch

8. A Christmas Memory Reading Skills: Reading for Details
As you read this story, ask yourself about setting details that Capote uses.
How do particular details contribute to mood, character development, or plot?
What do descriptive details tell you about the relationship between Buddy and his friend?
What kitchen details help define the mood?
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