Questions and Answers
Explain the narrator's view on getting older?
It's just the next day, you feel the same way you did when you were 10. It's as if you are 10, 9, 8, 7, 6.
Describe Mrs. Price's personality.
She believes she has all the answers because she is the teacher and older. She is judging and insensitive.
Why didn't Rachel stand up to the teacher and insist the sweater wasn't hers?
How is the onion or a tree trunk a symbol?
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Why didn't Rachel stand up to the teacher and insist that the sweater wasn't hers?
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Why did Rachel wish she was anything but eleven?
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What was the setting?
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What is the worst thing that happened on Rachel's birthday?
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What's the protagonist's name?
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What is an objective summary of the story, Eleven?
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What was the theme?
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What is Rachel's internal conflict?
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What is Rachel's external conflict?
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'I bury my face in my stupid clown-sweater arms' is what type of figurative language?
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'It's an ugly sweater with red plastic buttons and a collar and sleeves all stretched out like you could use it for a jump rope' is what type of figurative language?
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What voice is the story written in?
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Who does the sweater really belong to?
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What was the diction?
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What was the syntax?
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What was an example of imagery?
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What is the tone of the story?
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Why is this a coming of age story?
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Study Notes
Narrator's Perspective on Aging
- Rachel feels that aging is not a significant change; she still feels like her younger self.
- Age does not change her emotions or experiences; she reflects on all her past ages simultaneously.
Mrs. Price's Characterization
- Mrs. Price is portrayed as authoritative, believing she is always right due to her position as a teacher.
- She lacks empathy and is quick to judge, exemplified by her insistence that Rachel wore the sweater previously.
Rachel's Inaction Against Authority
- Rachel is too shy and timid to assert herself against Mrs. Price.
- She feels overwhelmed by the teacher's authority and doubts her own worth.
Symbolism of Layers
- The onion/tree trunk symbolizes the complexity of growing up; people are shaped by their past experiences.
- Each age represents a layer or ring in a person's life, contributing to their identity.
Rachel's Frustration with Age
- Rachel wishes to escape her age, fantasizing about being much older to distance herself from her humiliation.
Setting
- The story takes place in Mrs. Price's classroom, highlighting a typical school environment.
Key Conflict
- The incident with the red sweater causes Rachel significant humiliation on her birthday, reflecting her internal struggles.
Summary of "Eleven"
- Rachel's eleventh birthday is marked by embarrassment; she is forced to wear a sweater she doesn't own.
- The climax occurs when Rachel cries, expressing her suppressed emotions when she is unable to stand up for herself.
Theme
- The narrative emphasizes that regardless of age, insecurities and childhood memories resurface during challenging times.
Internal vs. External Conflict
- Rachel battles with her perception of maturity versus the realities of childhood insecurity.
- Externally, she confronts a disagreement with Mrs. Price about the ownership of the sweater.
Figurative Language
- Metaphor: "I bury my face in my stupid clown-sweater arms," illustrating Rachel's shame.
- Hyperbole: Description of the sweater's features exaggerates its unattractiveness.
Narrative Voice
- The story is told in the first person, providing intimate insight into Rachel's thoughts and feelings.
Sweater Ownership
- The sweater actually belongs to Phyllis Lopez, highlighting themes of misunderstanding and social dynamics in the classroom.
Diction and Syntax
- The diction is informal, reflecting the youthful perspective of the narrator.
- Syntax is characterized by short, simple sentences, enhancing clarity and immediacy in the narrative.
Imagery Example
- The notion that growing up resembles the layered structure of an onion creates a vivid image of personal development.
Tone
- The tone conveys Rachel's desire for maturity and the associated wisdom, strength, and power she associates with being older.
Coming of Age Story
- Rachel's story illustrates her struggle with gaining maturity through experiences, facing the complexities of childhood emotions, and the quest for self-advocacy.
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Description
Test your understanding of Sandra Cisneros' story 'Eleven'. This quiz includes questions about the narrator's perspective on aging and the personality of Mrs. Price. Challenge yourself with flashcards that explore key themes and characters.