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.