"Memory"

This week my English Professor, Frankie Lennon has assigned us to answer a couple questions concerning a chapter from her memoir, The Mee Street Chronicles: Straight Up Stories of a Black Woman's Life, the chapter is called, "Memory."

6. (a) What topic is the writer writing about? (b) If there is a main idea, point it out in your own words. Is it directly stated or implied?

In this chapter Lennon discusses her past detailing from where she grew up, moved to and what she did for fun. She mainly focused on many of her past memories, therefore I believe the topic the writer is attempting to convey to the reader  the importance of memories. This idea is presented repeatedly when she describes her life growing up on Mee Street, and her move to 1919 Dandridge Avenue. Lennon then concludes the chapter by stating that memories make up who you are and inform others who you are as well.

7. (a) How does the author organize this piece-- what modes of development are used? (c) Use you hand or notes on Transitions to identify the words or the phrases used to make transition within a paragraph.

Lennon utilizes description, cause and effect, as well as a narration.Throughout the essay the author uses words such as, "By, At first, In spring, Which is why, Sometimes, Back then" which are all considered a sequence of events. Therefore the narration is provided in sequential order.

9. Choose a paragraph from the essay. Pick out a word to describe the tone of voice you hear. (b) identify one thing that the author values. Choose a paragraph that reveals this value. (c) Identify a feeling and pick a word to describe it. Define the word. Choose a paragraph that reveals this feeling.

On page 4, the first paragraph the author conveys a voice of loneliness  she again makes a reference to this loneliness  on page 5  the third paragraph, when she discusses her departure away from a neighborhood that contained people she could identify with. Instead the author is presented with people who don't have children her age. Leaving her alone without anyone to really relate to. Later Lennon broaches up her new companion being a new puppy, but in the end she labels herself a loner because of her lack of communication with anyone. One thing the author may value is the gift of literature, on page 6 she discloses her great fondness for reading and how she could completely lose track of time while reading. In addition to valuing literature, she communicates her appreciation for memories because they allow her to know who she is as well as depict who she is to others.