Final answer:
The purpose of Lee Smith opening her memoir is to establish a setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of Lee Smith opening her memoir with a detailed description of the physical landscape and characteristics of the community in her hometown is a. Establishing a setting. By providing vivid descriptions of the surroundings and atmosphere, the author immerses the reader into the world of her childhood, allowing them to visualize and connect with the setting of her story. This helps create a strong foundation for the narrative and sets the stage for the events that follow.