Etymology of Memoir
The term “memoir” traces its origins to the Latin word memoriar, which means “memory” or “remembrance.” With time, it evolved into the Old French word memoire, refering to a written record or historical account.
In the 15th century, the word “memoir” emerged in English as a noun to describe a written account of one’s personal experiences, recollections, or memories. It has, since, become a well-established literary genre characterized by autobiographical narratives that provide insight into an author’s life, experiences, and reflections. It often offers a subjective and introspective perspective on various events and periods.
Meanings of Memoir
- Memory and Remembrance: Derived from the Latin memoriar, it originally denoted the act of remembering or recollection.
- Historical Record: In Old French, memoire referred to a written record or historical account.
- Autobiographical Genre: In modern English, “memoir” signifies a literary genre focused on personal experiences, recollections, and memories, often presented in a narrative form.
- Subjective Reflection: Memoirs offer a subjective and introspective perspective on an author’s life, providing insight into their unique experiences and perspectives.
Memoir in Grammar
- Singular Usage: When referring to a single, use a singular noun and verb agreement, as in: “This memoir is a powerful account of one person’s experiences.”
- Plural Usage: When discussing multiple, employ the plural form for both the noun and verb, such as: “These memoirs are all worth reading for their unique perspectives.”
Definition of Memoir
Memoir is a literary device used to tell a personal story or account of an individual’s experiences, often in a reflective and introspective manner. It typically focuses on a particular period or theme in the author’s life, and often includes descriptions and insights. Memoirs offer a unique perspective on social issues, historical events, and the human condition, making them a valuable contribution to literature.
Types of Memoir
There are several types of memoirs that authors may choose to write, including:
| Type of Memoir | Description |
| Autobiographical Memoir | It is a comprehensive account of the author’s entire life journey, spanning from childhood to the present, providing a detailed and often chronological narrative of their experiences, development, and personal growth. |
| Personal Memoir | It focuses on a specific period or event in the author’s life, such as a significant relationship, career change, or personal struggle, delving deeply into the emotions, challenges, and transformations associated with that particular phase or occurrence. |
| Travel Memoir | It recounts the author’s experiences while traveling to a specific place or region, offering insights into the local culture, customs, and landscapes encountered along the journey. These memoirs often include personal reflections on the impact of travel on the author’s perspective and personal growth. |
| Historical Memoir | It concentrates on a specific historical period or event, providing a personal perspective on significant societal changes, political events, or cultural shifts. These memoirs offer an individual’s unique viewpoint within the context of broader historical events, shedding light on the personal experiences and emotions tied to those times. |
| Celebrity Memoir | Authored by a well-known individual, such as a politician, musician, actor, or public figure, offering readers insights into their personal life, career, and the challenges they’ve faced in the public eye. These memoirs often provide behind-the-scenes glimpses and anecdotes from the world of fame and influence. |
| Creative Memoir | It combines elements of both fiction and non-fiction, crafting a narrative rooted in the author’s experiences but allowing for imaginative embellishments, creativity, and artistic expression. These memoirs may use unconventional storytelling techniques and formats to convey the author’s unique perspective and emotions in a more creative manner. |
Literary Examples of Memoir
It writing is a good genre in literature. Here are some beautiful and memorable memories written in English.
| Example | Explanation as Memoir |
| The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls | This story recounts Jeannette Walls’ unconventional and challenging childhood marked by poverty, neglect, and parental struggles with alcoholism and artistic pursuits. It reflects Walls’ resilience and her journey from hardship to building successful lives in New York City. |
| Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt | Frank McCourt’s narrative portrays his impoverished upbringing in Limerick, Ireland, highlighting his family’s struggles, illnesses, and hunger. Despite adversity, McCourt’s narrative showcases his eventual emigration to the United States and his success as a teacher and writer. |
| Night by Elie Wiesel | Elie Wiesel’s hauntin autobiography recounts his experiences as a teenager in Auschwitz and Buchenwald during the Holocaust. It vividly portrays his survival amid unimaginable horrors and his transformation into a global advocate for human rights and justice. |
| Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Cheryl Strayed’s memoir documents her transformative solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, undertaken in the aftermath of personal crises. It explores her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and healing as she confronts physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. |
| Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert | Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir narrates her travels to Italy, India, and Bali as she seeks meaning and happiness following a painful divorce. Her exploration of different cultures and self-discovery offers readers insights into her personal journey toward healing, fulfillment, and empowerment. |
Suggested Readings
- Barthes, Roland. Roland Barthes by Roland Barthes. Translated by Richard Howard, Hill and Wang, 1977.
- Gornick, Vivian. The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001.
- Lejeune, Philippe. On Autobiography. Translated by Katherine Leary, University of Minnesota Press, 1989.
- Miller, Nancy K. Bequest and Betrayal: Memoirs of a Parent’s Death. Oxford University Press, 1996.
- Proust, Marcel. In Search of Lost Time. Translated by Charles Kenneth Scott Moncrieff, Modern Library, 2003.
- Smith, Sidonie, and Julia Watson. Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives. University of Minnesota Press, 2010.
- Stein, Gertrude. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas. Vintage, 1990.
- Woolf, Virginia. Moments of Being: Unpublished Autobiographical Writings. Edited by Jeanne Schulkind, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1985.
- Zunshine, Lisa, editor. Introduction to Cognitive Cultural Studies. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010.