Eleven by Sandra Cisneros Quiz

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?

Everyone has layers or rings as they age. They are 11, 10, 9, 8, etc. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Rachel stand up to the teacher and insist that the sweater wasn't hers?

Because she doesn't feel as old as she is. She is shy, timid, and doesn't feel like she can stand up to the teacher. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Rachel wish she was anything but eleven?

Because she needed to be 102 and as far away from the experience of that day as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What was the setting?

Mrs. Price's classroom. Signup and view all the answers

What is the worst thing that happened on Rachel's birthday?

She was humiliated in class by being forced to put on the red sweater. Signup and view all the answers

What's the protagonist's name?

Rachel. Signup and view all the answers

What is an objective summary of the story, Eleven?

Rachel turns eleven and does not feel her age. A teacher gets angry because a sweater has been sitting in the closet for a month. A girl says it's Rachel's. The teacher makes Rachel take it. Rachel pushes it to the corner of her desk because it's disgusting and not hers. At the end of class, the teacher tells her to put it on. Rachel puts it on - and it upsets her, yet she can't speak up for herself. And all at once, her three-year-old emotions come out - and she starts to cry in front of the class. Then another girl says it's actually hers. Tonight she'll have her birthday cake - but she's not excited about it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the theme?

No matter how old you get, you still have moments of insecurity that remind you of times when you were a child. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rachel's internal conflict?

She doesn't feel or act her age and doesn't know how to maturely solve her problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is Rachel's external conflict?

Disagreeing with Ms. Price about the red sweater. Signup and view all the answers

'I bury my face in my stupid clown-sweater arms' is what type of figurative language?

Metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

'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?

Hyperbole. Signup and view all the answers

What voice is the story written in?

First person. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the sweater really belong to?

Phyllis Lopez. Signup and view all the answers

What was the diction?

Informal. Signup and view all the answers

What was the syntax?

Short and simple. Signup and view all the answers

What was an example of imagery?

Growing up is like the layers of an onion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the story?

She wishes that she were older. Older is wiser and stronger and more powerful. Signup and view all the answers

Why is this a coming of age story?

Rachel reflects that with age comes more experiences, reflecting on the maturity of knowing what to say or do in situations and being more confident. Signup and view all the answers

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.