Literary Devices and Cultural Contexts

Questions and Answers

What literary device is used in the allusion to Paterson, New Jersey, where the Straight and Narrow intersect?

It is an allusion to Matthew 7:13-14 which speaks of the 'strait' gate and 'narrow' way to salvation.

What is salsa as referenced in the text?

A lively dance from Latin America.

From what country are the people mostly mentioned as immigrants?

Puerto Rico.

What are viragoes?

Quarrelsome women. Signup and view all the answers

Why was President Kennedy considered a saint to these people?

Because of his ideals and policies for civil rights he sought to enact. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author remind us of through the events of the story?

The events of the story are related to the events of history that are also taking place. Signup and view all the answers

What does the excerpt about jump rope demonstrate?

Cofer's description of the school routine is so true to life that readers may feel she is drawing from her own experience. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Skinny Bones?

Elena, the narrator. Signup and view all the answers

What are the images in the collage by Juan Sanchez?

A flower, a group of children with flags, and a soldier. Signup and view all the answers

What ways are Eugene and Elena alike?

Both wear glasses and like to read. Signup and view all the answers

How does the quote reveal the author's attitude toward discrimination?

It reveals her beliefs that it is unfair for capable students to be held back because of their race or native language. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do Eugene and Elena differ?

They come from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Signup and view all the answers

What does infatuated mean?

Carried away by shallow or foolish love. Signup and view all the answers

How does this quote reflect the heritage of the writer?

It describes the way a Puerto Rican family unites in the mourning of a loved one. Signup and view all the answers

What is an antonym for hysterical?

Unruffled or controlled. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hick?

A colloquialism-an insulting term for an unsophisticated person, usually from a rural area. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sentence about Mr. DePalma reorient the reader to?

It returns us to the time of the story's opening paragraph-a particular day in America's history. Signup and view all the answers

What type of artwork is Retroactive I?

A collage by Robert Rauschenberg. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the teacher's behavior in the excerpt?

Mr. DePalma is distraught over the death of the president that he loses his composure before the students. Signup and view all the answers

What does the writer reveal about her feelings regarding the drugstore incident?

She recalls the incident with such intimate knowledge that she may be recalling what she herself observed on that day. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Elena and Eugene studying for an American history test?

They both live through what would turn out to be one of the most significant days in history. Signup and view all the answers

The statement 'You are forgetting who you are here, Nina...' is an example of _____.

Theme, suggesting societal expectations regarding immigration. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the woman's face red and swollen?

She is mourning the death of President Kennedy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author include the detail about smudged makeup?

It parallels the scene Elena has just left-her mother had been crying. Signup and view all the answers

Who are they mentioned in discussing the young widow?

Jacqueline, Caroline, and John Kennedy, Jr. Signup and view all the answers

What is revealed about the author's attitude toward personal heartbreak?

The pain of personal heartbreak can be harder to cope with than the grief of a public tragedy. Signup and view all the answers

Whose family lives in the only house on the block that has a yard and trees?

Eugene's family. Signup and view all the answers

Who refuses to let Elena enter her house?

Eugene's mother. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the overpainted symbols?

Love and happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the author claim to have learned about the power of words from?

Her grandmother. Signup and view all the answers

How do Elena and Eugene know each other?

Elena knows Eugene from watching him while sitting on her fire escape, and they meet up on the way home from school. Signup and view all the answers

What is the El Building?

It is a tenement located at the intersection of two streets in Paterson, NJ. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on November 22, 1963?

President JFK was assassinated. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Elena on November 22, 1963?

Elena is turned away from a friend's house because of racial discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What does the last sentence of the story reveal about Elena's character?

She does not want to see what is beautiful become defiled. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict does Elena experience concerning her reaction to the president's death?

She feels guilt because her sorrow is for her personal loss, not her country's. Signup and view all the answers

How does the title relate to the theme?

The story's title refers to two kinds of American history: the shocking death of JFK and the shameful event that happened to Elena. Signup and view all the answers

What are Cofer's attitudes when she was young?

Cofer dreamed of a bigger, sleeker, more powerful body. Likewise, Elena is unhappy with her skinny body. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Literary Devices and Allusions

"Straight and Narrow" refers to an allusion from Matthew 7:13-14, relating to the narrow path to salvation.
The use of allusion enriches the narrative by connecting personal experiences to broader spiritual themes.

Cultural References

"Salsa" denotes a lively Latin American dance, illustrating the cultural vibrancy of the community.
Immigrants from Puerto Rico significantly shaped the demographics of New York City in the mid-20th century.

The character Elena faces abuse from peers for not being able to jump rope fast, highlighting social hierarchies and bullying in school settings.
Discrimination is critiqued through Elena's experience, underscoring the unfair barriers faced by those with a non-English background despite their capabilities.

Historical Context and Personal Impact

The assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, serves as a pivotal historical moment, intertwined with personal narratives of the characters.
The emotional reactions of characters, like Mr. DePalma, reveal the profound impact of public events on individual lives.

Relationships and Identity

Elena and Eugene share similarities in their interests, such as reading and wearing glasses, fostering a sense of connection despite cultural differences.
Contrasts arise in their backgrounds, illustrating how ethnicity and cultural heritage shape identities and experiences.

Emotional Responses and Personal Reflection

The character's lamentation about her own heartbreak juxtaposed with national tragedy emphasizes the complexity of grief.
Elena’s struggle with her feelings reflects a broader commentary on personal versus collective mourning.

Artistic Elements and Symbolism

Artwork references, such as collages by Juan Sanchez and Robert Rauschenberg, contribute visual dimensions to the narrative's exploration of themes like love and loss.
Descriptions of characters' appearances serve as metaphors for emotional states, enhancing the reader’s understanding of their inner lives.

Familial and Cultural Heritage

The narrative emphasizes the importance of family traditions, such as mourning practices in Puerto Rican culture, connecting personal grief to communal identity.
The influence of the author’s grandmother on her understanding of language underscores the theme of heritage and storytelling.

Irony and Resolution

Irony emerges when Elena and Eugene plan to study during a historically significant time, highlighting the juxtaposition of personal experiences with broader societal events.
The story ends with Elena's desire to protect beauty from defilement, indicating her hope for resilience against degradation.

Character Development and Themes

Elena’s transformation and her awareness of discrimination deepen the narrative's exploration of adolescent identity and societal challenges.
Themes of love, loss, and identity persist throughout, interlinking personal history with national events, creating an intricate tapestry of experience.

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Description

Explore the intricate connections between literary devices and cultural references within the narrative. This quiz examines themes of discrimination, social dynamics, and historical impacts on characters’ lives, enriching our understanding of the text's depth. Dive into the allusions, cultural influences, and societal critiques present in the story.