The Power of Language
Understanding Human Nature:
Exploring Autobiography and Memoir
Autobiography
Autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person. The genre has existed in various forms for several millennia. The apologia focused on self-justification, explaining and defending the subject’s actions and life decisions. The oration was a life story that could be read aloud in privacy. The confession often included deeply personal and self-critical revelations.
What is a Memoir ?
While an autobiography focuses on the life and times of the writer, one type of autobiography—memoir —offers a narrower focus on the writer’s emotions and memories. The word itself means “memory” or “reminiscence”. Autobiographies tend to span the arc of the writer’s life, whereas memoir often explores an event or specific timeframe in the writer’s life. Memoir closely resembles sparknotes for a book; the highlights, meaningful lessons, and powerful insights are concentrated. Memoirs are often written by political and military leaders as a way to reflect upon their decisions during their time in power. While an autobiography stresses the inner life of the author, a memoir often describes personalities and actions other than those of the writer.
Must a Memoir be True ?
Autobiographies are subjective by nature. The writer’s perspective, portrayal of events, word choice, selections and omissions can affect the reader’s understanding. Additionally, a writer’s unwillingness or inability to describe various events can alter perceptions. Certain embellishments in a memoir should not be considered deception. Nevertheless, most critics contend that, as a non-fiction writer, a memoirist has a responsibility to tell the truth.
Variety
Many different types of autobiographies and memoirs exist. Memoirs are often quite descriptive, offering vivid accounts of places, events, and emotions. Some works may glamorize the life of a celebrity or athlete. Others may explore an “ordinary” person who has faced extraordinary challenges. Some function as social criticism by pointing out injustice or inequality. They can be humorous or disturbing, emotional or stoic, or all of the above! An effective writer uses the language to craft an absorbing and thought-provoking work.
How to Read an Autobiography/Memoir
Astute readers recognize that “reading between the lines” of an autobiography or memoir is as interesting as the narrative itself. The writer’s selections, style, and omissions all play a role in understanding their life and the time in which they lived. Taking time to absorb the book also allows readers to reflect upon their own experiences and decisions. Good readers:
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The Power of Language
· Make connections
· Question
· Visualize
· Infer
· Synthesize
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The Power of Language
Autobiography/Memoir Review Guidelines:
1) Create a well-crafted, 6-8 sentence “mini-review” of this book. Include the following in your summary and appraisal:
· An interesting “hook” and brief background to pull us into the text
· the author, the title of the book, and publisher
o ex.: “John Smith’s Many Moons, published by Random House, offers an intriguing . . .”
· general background information—setting, context
· your thesis/appraisal, including what you consider the best and/or worst characteristics
2) Select two of the following analysis questions . For each of these questions, create a well-crafted 1 pg. response and include the following: at least two effectively embedded quotations and an exploration of how/why this affects our understanding of the book and the writer’s life . In other words, do not simply restate what t he author wrote. Explore why the au thor chose this route and how their use of language affects the reader. Include the boldfaced question subtitle at the top of each response page.
A) Setting- If relevant, how does the author connect the setting (time and place) with his/her life experience? Do the settings change, and how do they serve as a backdrop for events in the writer’s life?
B) Motifs- Does the writer offer any motifs (recurring themes/ideas) in the work? Where? Why?
C) Author’s Purpose- Why do you think the author wrote this work? What did s/he want the reader to realize, appreciate, or understand? Would a different or additional genre term offer a better description of this memoir or autobiography? (Blended Non-Fiction? Political Rhetoric? Romance?) If so, explain why you feel this alternate or additional term could be used.
D) Audience- Who would you consider the intended audience for this work? (History Lovers? Environmental Activists? Bitter Octogenarians?) Does the writer seem to elicit a certain response from the audience, such as sympathy?
E) Reader’s Opinion of the Writer- How would you describe this writer as a human being? What actions, insights, and/or revelations lead you to your appraisal? Did your view change as you moved through the book?
F) Honesty of the Writer- Did any instances arise in which you felt the author was not being truthful? Explain why you question whether the writer was being forthright.
G) Another Influence- Does another individual seem to have played a major role in the writer’s life? In what way/s? Consider short and long-term effects.
H) Reader’s Realization- Does the writer’s experience connect in some way to your own life? Did the writer’s revelations lead you to reflect upon your own attitudes or ideals?
3) Select one of the following close-reading tasks . F or this task , photocopy a section of the book ( one to four pages ) and annotate it . Consider marking tone descriptions/shifts, rhetorical techniques, notable word choice (diction), interesting sentence structure (syntax), and development of ideas /plot . Your response should be 1 pg. in length and include the following: at least two effectively embedded quotations and an exploration of how/why the writer’s use of language affects our understanding of the book and the writer’s life. Include the boldfaced subtitle at the top of your response page.
A) Notable Shift- Select a passage that includes a notable shift or shifts. Does the author’s attitude or behavior seem to have changed? How? Why? Consider catalysts/effects.
B) Defining Moment- Select a passage that could be considered a defining moment in the writer’s life. What happened? How did it affect the writer? Does the writer feel differently about it since the event or experience occurred?
C) Distinctive Diction/Syntax- Select a passage with distinctive diction (word choice) and/or syntax (sentence structure). Why does the writing in this passage stand out? What does it reveal about the writer’s style, tone, and experiences?
Here is the order of a sample submission:
1. Book permission form signed by parent/guardian and teacher
2. Mini-Review Paragraph
3. Analysis Response A: Setting
4. Analysis Response F: Honesty of the Writer
5. Close-Reading Response: Notable Shift
6. Annotated photocopied 1-4 page passage for the Close-Reading Response
7. Works Cited page
#1. Select a book. In short, your autobiography/memoir should be approximately 150 pages or more. Even if the book is not in the Grosse Pointe libraries, remember that you can request to have it delivered it through the MEL system—ask our librarian! Bear in mind that a wait time may be involved. You may want to try the “if you like…” feature on Amazon and other book-related websites; these can help you find a book of interest to you. You must validate the literary merit of your selection, and a parent/guardian and I must approve the work. I may ask you to bring the actual book or a professional book review.
#2. Complete this form and staple it to the front of your review when you submit it.
# 3 . Read the book. Avoid the “Woody Allen” approach to reading. He once quipped, “I took a speed reading course and read War and Peace in twenty minutes. It’s about Russia.” Read for understanding. Take time to reflect on the writer’s revelations, tone, and style. This guide and our in-class experiences will help you navigate your book.
#4 . Review the book. Use this guide to help you create your analysis and close-reading responses.
PARENTS:
I give permission for my child to read and review ___________________________________
(title of autobiography/memoir)
Signature of parent/guardian X__________________________________________________
Signature of teacher X_________________________________________________________
STUDENTS:
· My responses follow the guidelines of Mr. Cox’s Writing Guide and the Modern Language Association.
· My responses are balanced, detailed, thought-provoking, and credible.
· I have not read this book prior to this assignment.
· I recognize that the Pledge of Academic Integrity is in effect. I have read this book, and the work I am submitting is my own. Any material that is not my own has been properly documented.
· I have submitted my assignment to turnitin.com for an originality report.
Signature of Student X______________________________________________________________
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