1. Characteristics of Memoir
Memoir Unit Essential Questions:
What are the characteristics that
define a memoir?
What are the qualities of a “good” memoir?
How is memoir an important literary genre?

2. Memoir = Memory
The word memoir comes from the French memoire and the Latin memoria meaning “memory”
It is a description or explanation of a past event in the author’s life
It is based on what the author recalls about the event

3. Memoir Point of View Author’s thoughts Author’s feelings First person
Told from one person’s, the author’s, point of view
Reflects only the author’s thoughts and feelings on the topic

4. Non-fiction Genre Non-fiction Based on real events, from memory
Some authors may change specific details of the setting or names to protect people

5. Plot Problems or conflicts Instigating event Result of event
Focused on one particular point/event in author’s life
There may be many smaller events, but the focus is on one major issue, problem, conflict

6. Plot Memoir Events Reflection Destination Journey Event Experience
Events are centered more around author’s experience than the event
Plot is more about the journey than the destination

7. Mood and Tone Tone Mood Tone = author’s attitude toward a subject
Mood= how the reader feels when reading the writing; emotion evoked by the author

8. Mood and Tone Is emotional Includes writer’s feelings about the event
They may directly or indirectly conveyed ; the author may choose to “show” you or “tell you how he/she feels

9. Theme The theme is meaningful to both the author and reader
Demonstrates a lesson the author learned or some realization he/ she made about his/her own life