1. AP English Language and Composition
Understanding Memoir
AP English Language and Composition

2. Characteristics of Memoir
Focuses on a person, place, event, or animal which had a particular significance in the writer’s life
Has a particular focus, an element (big idea) which receives the most emphasis
Recreates for the reader incidents shared during that event, with the person, in that place, or with the animal

3. Characteristics (continued)
Reveals the writer’s knowledge of and feeling about the person, place, event, or animal
Includes the author’s feelings and thoughts
Has reflection scattered throughout
Makes the person, place, event, or animal come alive for the reader

4. Analyzing Memoir Who is the story about?
What is the relationship between the subject and the writer?
What is the writer’s purpose? In other words, what does the writer want you to know about this relationship?

5. Analyzing (continued)
What is the one impression that the writer wants you to have about his/her subject?
How does the writer show you how important his/her subject is in the piece?
Through his/her thoughts?
Through his/her feelings about the subject?
Through the details and description?