How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents Unit Test

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Questions and Answers

Why does Mami tell Chino to call Don Victor and ask him to pick up his tennis shoes?

Code to ask for help

Who is Vic? How is he going to help Papi?

Vic is a CIA agent who is going to help Papi escape the country.

What is the 'national language of a police state' that the children of the Dominican Republic learn early?

You should watch what you say and look where you go.

Why do the police, Pupo, and Checo decide a search of the Garcia house is worth their time? What do they risk by undertaking such a search?

If they find something, they will be praised and decorated. They risk going back to prison. Signup and view all the answers

How does young Sandi feel about leaving for America?

Hesitant Signup and view all the answers

How does the switch from what is happening in the Garcia house to a previous scene with the lottery seller, to Carlos hiding enhance the believability of the story?

It shows multiple things happening at once. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Chucha seek asylum at the Garcias' home?

All of the Haitians were being massacred. Signup and view all the answers

For what reasons do the other maids refuse to share a room with Chucha? Why does she sleep in a coffin?

She does voodoo, and they think she's below them (skin color). She wants to sleep in a coffin in preparation for death. Signup and view all the answers

What prophecy does Chucha make for the girls' futures? Does it come true?

The girls will have troublesome lives, but will invent what they need to survive. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the irony of the first paragraph on page 227, about the yearly gathering.

The reader understands that the uncles were dead. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe two aspects of Yoyo's life in the DR which might be different from the life of an average American girl.

<ol> <li>Yoyo's family's houses were raided by guards. 2. She has government officials in her family.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Papito often sent out of the country?

He has education and money, making Trujillo jealous. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does Tia Mami fail to live the normal life of a young woman in the DR?

She has not married and she's 28. She reads a lot. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Milagros plead with Sandi to release her son from his illness? What can you infer about Milagros' belief in Sandi?

Sandi drew a picture of him very well. Milagros thinks that Sandi is a witch. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sandi think, '...everything I enjoyed in the world was turning out to be wrong'?

Art, something she enjoys, was being restricted by Dona Charito, and she realizes these lessons will not be fun. Signup and view all the answers

For what reasons does Sandi decide to look inside the shed? What does she see?

She heard a man yelling, tapping noises, and she wanted to know a secret about Dona Charito for revenge. She sees sculptures of a woman and animals, and a chained naked man. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sandi break her arm?

By falling backwards from the stump in fear. Signup and view all the answers

What is special about the face of the virgin mother? Why does Sandi feel a moment of triumph when she sees the face?

The face of the statue of the virgin mother is blank. Sandi feels a moment of triumph when she sees the face because it looks like her own, giving a sense of self-identification. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the narrator for the first chapter? Briefly describe the setting.

Yolanda. The setting is a party, with people of all ages. Signup and view all the answers

Find a metaphor on the first page. What does it mean?

"The cousins are flashes of color in turquoise jumpsuits and tight jersey dresses." This means that the cousins are happy and energetic, and that they're wearing bright clothing. Signup and view all the answers

How is Yolanda greeted by her Dominican relatives?

She is greeted with mockery for having gone to America, yet with much adoration from the kids. Lucinda tells her she looks terrible. Signup and view all the answers

What is Yolanda's 'antojo'?

She wants to eat guavas. Signup and view all the answers

What 'wave of tradition' is Yolanda planning to ignore?

A woman does not travel alone. Signup and view all the answers

How long has Yolanda's family been away from the island? What does Yolanda wish for when she blows out the candles on the cake?

29 years. She wishes to have her own household and authority. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these precautions turns out to be necessary and why?

Yolanda not taking a bus was a necessary precaution because when she drove past a bus, she was harassed by the men on it. Signup and view all the answers

What might the sign advertising Palmolive represent in this story?

Luxury. Signup and view all the answers

What are four events that are part of the father's birthday tradition?

<ol> <li>All four girls stay at their father's place. 2. None of the husbands come. 3. Their father gives them each large sums of money. 4. He would talk about dying.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important that Sofia has a son?

He was the first male born in two generations. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Sofia a maverick?

She stood up against her father and she asked to be married instead of waiting for a proposal. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Sofia and her father fight?

She ran away to get married. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do the daughters try to make their father's birthday party special for him?

Having a band, paper hats, balloons, and buttons that say 'THE WORLD'S GREATEST DAD'. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sofia give her father a wet kiss? What is his reaction?

He wasn't acknowledging her hard work or guessing her name. He gets infuriated. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think this chapter, 'The Kiss,' suggests to the reader about how this dual heritage impacts Sofia's life?

Sofia's dual heritage causes her to go against the Dominican way of life. Signup and view all the answers

How do the four girls feel about the favorite stories the mother has of each of them?

They all act like they're annoyed but really they love it because it gives them a sense of individualization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the story of the red sneakers reveal to the reader about Carla's, Papi's, and Mami's personalities?

Carla is stubborn, Papi is creative, and Mami has a big mouth. Signup and view all the answers

What is mother's secret wish for Yolanda?

To become famous. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Yolanda's lover think the daughters are pretty wild, considering they had been raised by Old World parents?

Because they act independent and do as they want. Signup and view all the answers

What does the story about the bus ride reveal to the reader about Yolanda's personality?

She is independent and fearless. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sandi feel about her Swedish good looks?

She would rather look like her sisters. Signup and view all the answers

For what reason does Sandi feel the need to keep reading? Why does she keep losing weight?

She is afraid of losing her humanity and becoming a monkey. She is losing weight because she does not want to eat. Signup and view all the answers

What does mother's story about Sandi reveal to the reader about Sandi's personality? What might the monkey hands represent in this story?

Sandi might have anxiety or be depressed. The monkey hands might represent a loss of self-control. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the mother think Fifi or Sofia is the lucky one?

Sofia always seems like she'll be in trouble, but things will turn out in her favor in the end. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mami buy rainbow clothes for herself?

To not show favoritism by wearing the same color as any of the other girls. Signup and view all the answers

List some nicknames for Yolanda. How does she feel about these names? What might multiple versions of Yolanda's name signify in this story?

Yo, Joe, Yoyo, Joey. Yolanda doesn't like these nicknames. Multiple versions of Yolanda's name might signify that she has multiple personality disorder. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Yolanda at the start of this chapter?

In a hospital room. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Yolanda begin to mistrust John?

He starts to make fun of her, and is dismissive of her stress. He told her she needed to see a shrink. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence is there in the story that Yolanda's mixed heritage may be harming her relationship with John?

He doesn't understand Spanish and argues about their differences. Signup and view all the answers

What two literary terms are used in the sentence, 'John's words threw themselves off the tip of his tongue like suicides?'

Personification, simile, and an allusion to lemmings. Signup and view all the answers

Why does John make lists? In what way are his lists similar to Yolanda's use or misuse of words?

John makes lists to clarify how he feels about Yolanda. Her misuse means she is confused, just as John is confused about his feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Critics praise Alvarez for her ability to represent relationships fairly. In what ways is John presented as a caring man who is not fully responsible for the breakup of their marriage?

He apologizes first and always attempts to resolve the problem. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think the raven in Yolanda's vision might represent in this story?

Her words hurting people. Her love for John. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Yolanda popular with the boys in high school? Why does she lose this popularity in college?

In high school, she was lively and the boys enjoyed conversation with her. In college, she wouldn't have sex with them. Signup and view all the answers

For what reasons does Yolanda feel out of place in her English class? What does she have in common with Rudy?

She is a foreign student. She and Rudy both have odd names. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Yolanda refuse to take drugs at the party?

She was afraid that Rudy might do something to her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Yolanda throw Rudy out of her apartment five years later?

All he wanted was sex. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor describes the lasting impact Yolanda's failed relationship with Rudy will have on her life?

"I sprayed myself with expensive Bordeaux. 'Shit,' I thought, 'this is not going to wash out.'" Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the title, 'The Blood of the Conquistadors'?

The conquistadors conquered a land away from home, which is what the Garcia family will do: travel to America and start a new life. Signup and view all the answers

Who do the police interrogate when they are looking for information about Papi? For what reason might Papi be worried that his children might inadvertently give the guards some information about his hiding place?

The police interrogate the four girls. Papi might be worried that his children might give the guards information about his hiding place because they are easily pressured and are very honest. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does Chucha try to help Papi?

Chucha provides support and guidance in Papi's time of need. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Narration

Yolanda serves as the narrator for the first chapter, setting the stage for her family's experiences.
The Garcia sisters, including Yolanda and Sofia, grapple with their dual heritage and the challenges it creates in their relationships and identities.

Themes and Motifs

The struggle between cultural identity is central as characters navigate their Dominican roots and American upbringing.
Metaphors convey deeper meanings; for example, the cousins in “flashes of color” symbolize energy and joy amidst traditional constraints.
The “wave of tradition” highlights the expectation that women shouldn’t travel alone, illustrating societal norms.

Family Dynamics

Family interactions often blend humor with critique; Yolanda faces mockery and affection from her Dominican relatives, indicating complex family ties.
Birthdays serve as a reminder of familial bonds, traditions, and patriarchal expectations, with the father’s birthday involving significant monetary gifts and existential conversations about death.

Personal Struggles

Characters exhibit personal challenges; for instance, Yolanda’s desire for independence clashes with familial expectations.
Sofia’s rebellious nature makes her at odds with her father, showcasing the generational conflict within the family.
Each sister displays distinct personalities, such as Carla’s stubbornness, reinforcing individuality in shared cultural experiences.

Yolanda’s relationships, especially with John and Rudy, highlight themes of misunderstanding due to cultural differences—culminating in feelings of alienation.
The boys' perspectives on the sisters indicate societal perceptions of femininity and cultural identity, reflecting broader themes of patriarchy and objectification.

Cultural Identity and Displacement

The story examines what it means to navigate multiple cultures; Carla's longing for her homeland contrasts with her feelings of being an outsider in America.
The sisters' experiences at school and their attempts to assimilate showcase the complexities of being bilingual and bicultural.

Symbolism

Objects and events carry symbolic weight, such as the metaphor of snow representing innocence and unfamiliarity, juxtaposed with Yolanda's misunderstanding due to her background.
Chucha’s voodoo practices signify cultural heritage and the fear of marginalization within both Dominican and American societies.

The narrative captures the stark realities of living under a dictatorship, with references to the revolution and its impact on the Garcia family’s migration.
Papi’s concern for his daughters' security during police interrogations illustrates the oppressive political climate in the Dominican Republic.

Development and Growth

Characters evolve as they confront their identities; for instance, Sandi’s reflection on her beauty reveals complexities about self-perception within cultural contexts.
The sisters' actions, like standing up against controlling relationships or aiding each other in trouble, emphasize themes of solidarity and feminism.

Literary Devices

The use of symbolism, irony, personification, and metaphor enriches the narrative and enhances character development and thematic depth.
The title "Daughter of Invention" underscores the struggle of bridging cultural gaps and the creative necessity born from displacement.

Conclusion

"How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents" encapsulates multifaceted experiences of immigration, identity, and generational transition, marked by a poignant blend of humor and heartbreak.
Overall, the narrative underscores the importance of understanding one’s heritage while navigating the challenges of adaptation in a foreign environment.### Troubling Lives and Survival
Girls depicted in this context lead challenging lives but possess the ingenuity to create means for survival.

Irony of the Yearly Gathering

The initial paragraph hints at a gathering that is typically festive, yet it carries an underlying tragedy—recognition that the uncles are deceased.

Yoyo's Life in the DR

Yoyo's family experiences state-sponsored oppression, illustrated by the raiding of their homes by guards.
Government ties are present within Yoyo's family, influencing their social dynamics and security.

Papito's Exile

Papito's departure from the DR is driven by his education and wealth, sparking jealousy from the authoritarian ruler Trujillo.

Tia Mami's Unconventional Life

At 28 years old, Tia Mami remains unmarried, representing a societal expectation that she's deviated from.
She is characterized by her voracious reading habits, which further alienate her from traditional female roles.

Milagros' Beliefs and Sandi's Skills

Milagros implores Sandi to cure her son, driven by the belief that Sandi possesses supernatural abilities, akin to a witch, as evidenced by Sandi's artistic talents.

Sandi's Artistic Dilemma

Sandi reflects on the restriction of her passion for art, feeling that her enjoyment is being corrupted by Dona Charito's overbearing control.

Curiosity About the Shed

Sandi investigates the shed after hearing unsettling noises; her quest is fueled by a desire for revenge against Dona Charito.
Upon peering inside, she discovers sculptures, including a chained naked man, which hints at deeper, sinister themes.

Accident Leading to Injury

Sandi sustains an injury after falling backwards off a stump, a reaction driven by fear.

The Virgin Mother Statue

The virgin mother's statue features a blank face, symbolizing ambiguity and lack of identity.
Sandi experiences a moment of victory upon seeing the face, as it resembles her own, fostering a personal connection and sense of identity.

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Test your knowledge on the first chapter of 'How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents'. This quiz covers character perspectives and metaphorical language used in the chapter. Engage with key concepts and enhance your understanding of this novel.