An American Childhood

Dillard’s memoir contains three parts, with a prologue and an epilogue. She tells her story out of chronological order. What do each of these parts mean in terms of one of the themes of the memoir? Why does Dillard structure her memories as she does? Explain.

What is the role of consciousness in Dillard’s life? How does what she calls being “awake” change or improve her life? Explain.

What is the most significant theme of the memoir? Explain this theme using examples from at least three of the sections in the book, including the Prologue and the Epilogue.