Warm-Up copy these vocabulary notes

1. Warm-Upcopy these vocabulary notes • Narrative: Any real or imagined story. • Autobiography: An account of a person’s life, written by that person. • Biography: An account of a person’s life, written by another person. • Memoir: An account of specific memory – think of it as a “snapshot” in time. • Vignette: A brief, detailed, description, account, or episode of a story.

2. Characteristics of a memoir • A memoir tells the story of a single memory. • It focuses on the relationship between the writer and a particular person, place, or thing. • The story makes clear the significance of that relationship. Why is it important? • It makes clear what the author learned or took away from that memory. The audience must understand the lesson or impact the memory had. • It is based on truth and reveals the true feelings of the author.

3. Characteristics of a memoir When reading or writing a memoir, make sure it includes: • A catchy title • A hook or introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and gives some background knowledge • Many details • Imagery and other figurative language • A conclusion that shows the author’s reflection on the memory

4. Cultural memoirs • Includes all the same characteristics of a memoir, but focuses specifically on a memory that is important because of the way it makes the person reflect on their culture. • Remember: Culture = a person’s “way of life,” based on any number of groups they belong to. • Cultural memoirs often focus on particular elements of a person’s culture: • Food memory • Family memory • Holiday memory • Environment/neighborhood memory • Culture clash memory

5. Culture clash A conflict that occurs when different cultural values and beliefs collide. Quick Write: Imagine you meet someone you really like, but who is the last possible person your family would want you to bring home. • Describe what would make it difficult for someone to fit into your family. • Then describe what might happen if you brought this person home to meet your family.

6. CULTURE CLASH EXAMPLES • My Big Fat Greek Wedding: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQC6cLJhTek • Our Family Wedding: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WOqDynSA2I • The Joy Luck Club: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t82eWkb_tM

7. “FISH CHEEKS” BY AMY TAN • Amy Tan • Chinese-American writer (parents are Chinese immigrants) • Author of 7 novels, some children’s books, and many articles • Writes about culture clash, mother-daughter relationships, and Chinese culture and immigration • The Joy Luck Club is her most popular novel • “Fish Cheeks” • Cultural memoir • First published in the magazine Seventeen in 1987

8. “fish cheeks” by amy tan • During Reading: • Annotate: • 1) Underline every example you see of the author REFLECTING on her memory and why it is important. • 2) Circle every detail, example of imagery, or piece of figurative language. • 3) Make notes in the margin – questions, comments, connections. • After Reading: • Discuss: In your groups, work through the discussion questions. • Respond: Complete the response questions on your own.

9. closing • List 3 important elements of a memoir.