tenement
n. apartment house, often-run down.
profound
adj. deep, intense
discreet
adj. careful about one's actions; prudent; keeping silent or preserving confidences
vigilant
adj. watchful
elation
n. exultant joy or pride; high spirits
dilapidated
adj. broken down
Who wrote "American History?"
Judith Ortiz Cofer
Elena is a Puerto Rican girl living a
tenement in New Jersey and becomes friends with a southern white boy by the name of Eugene. She is turned away by Eugene's mother because Elena is Puerto Rican and not a southern white.
Who painted "Sunday Afternoon" on page 240
Ralph Fasanella.
Salsas songs are
written in particular Latin American musical style.
viragoes
means fierce, irritable women who often should
Skinny Bones is who?
Elena
Skinny Bones
"...hated the city, especially in winter, I hated Public School #13. I hated my skinny flat chested body, and I envied the black girls..."
Who painted "Brownstones" on page 244 and does the painting suggest.
Patti Mollica did the painting. The painting suggests the description of Elena's fire escape outside El Building from which she could see Eugene's backyard. The dark, muted colors suggests a bleak winter.
How does Elena initially feel when approaching Eugene?
Elena knows the Eugene is different from her and would possibly reject her even though she wants to meet him.
"Hija" means
daughter in Spanish.
Nina means
child in Spanish.
"Listen. Honey. Eugene doesn't want to study with you. He is a smart boy. Doesn't need help. You understand me. I am truly sorry if he told you you could come over. He cannot study with you. It's nothing personal. You understand?...run back home now." Eugene's mother comment represents what?
prejudice
prejudice
Believing some people are inferior or superior without even knowing them
In the first paragraph, what words does Elena use to describe her building?
The tenement is like a huge juke box.
How does she describe Eugene's house from her fire escape?
She describe Eugene's house as small and neat.
What are the two contrasts when comparing Elena's home with Eugene's?
Elena feels her home is large and noisy; Eugene's home is quiet and comfortable.
What subject is Elena going to study with Eugene?
American history.
What other reason might Ms. Cofer's narrative have for calling the story "American History"
Elena's experience of prejudice and rejection are part of the American experience.
Where is Elena's mother and what is she doing when Elena returns from Eugene's house?
She is seeking comfort from someone else's kitchen.
In the last scene of the story, why does Elena say that her tears are just for herself?
She feels the personal pain much more than the pain of the assassination of JFK.
Are the conflicts necessary for Elena's personal growth and understanding of the world around her?
Yes. She will become better informed of the world around especially the prejudice that she experiences from others.
The main conflict of the story is...
Elena's struggle to find happiness by becoming part of Eugene's life.
There are inferences that can be made from this story. Examples are;
ideas that people love their president; Elena respects education because she wants to become a teacher; and Eugene's mother is prejudiced.
inference
A conclusion based on observation or evidence