"Word Portrait" of a Friend or Family Member

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Jason Noll's "Nana's Hands" is a portrait of his grandmother that is based specifically on the way her hands look. Note how he uses detailed imagery and description to reveal her personality. After you've read Jason's essay, consider the following questions: What are the key characteristics of his subject? Based on his portrayal of his grandmother, how would you characterize their relationship? What details in his paper are especially compelling? Do you think he is able to create a complete picture of his grandmother through the images of her hands?
Write a two to three-page "word portrait" of a close friend or family member using one body part to describe the person as you see him or her. Like Jason, try to develop a full portrait of your subject through just one body part. Imagine your subject's hands, feet, fingerprints, scars or ears, and think about what kinds of images emerge. What themes arise from these details? How do the physical characteristics contribute to your subject's life experience and personality?

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