Poet X Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What did Xiomara's mother not approve of her doing in front of her house?

Sitting on the stoop

What does the name Xiomara mean?

One who is ready for war

Why was the day Xiomara got her period the most impactful day of her life?

She was scared because she had not been prepared for it, and her mother's reaction was abusive and terrifying.

All of Xiomara's mother's decisions and reactions seemed to focus on what?

Ensuring that Xiomara does not have 'relations' with boys Signup and view all the answers

What did Xiomara feel it was her job to do in regards to her brother?

To protect him because he was too gentle. Signup and view all the answers

What two characteristics does Xiomara and Medusa feel they both share?

Strong and Cursed Signup and view all the answers

Overall, when Xiomara encounters any type of hostility, rudeness, or aggression, what is her first reaction?

She becomes aggressive and hostile in return. Signup and view all the answers

What does Xiomara get from men and boys that is unwanted?

Attention Signup and view all the answers

Why does Xiomara say, 'This will be your favorite gift./ This will become a despised shackle.'?

She treasures being her mother's daughter, but feels imprisoned by her mother's expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship Xiomara's father has with his family?

He is physically with them but emotionally different. Signup and view all the answers

What does Xavier do when he finds the flyer for the poetry club Xiomara was trying to hide?

He encourages her to share her genius. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason that Xiomara has to do more of the housework than Xavier?

Because of the expectations of her Dominican culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does Xiomara believe her mother would have been if not forced to marry her father?

A nun Signup and view all the answers

Xiomara compares her confusion, questions, and feelings about boys to what?

She compares them to cooking. Signup and view all the answers

What is the idiom used to describe Xiomara and Caridad's friendship?

Opposites attract Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by having '...a silent mouth/ until it's as an island machete.'?

She doesn't have much to say, but when she does, she says what she thinks, no matter how harsh or hard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the strongest reason the author does not want to go to Confirmation classes?

She has too many questions about God that no one is willing to answer. Signup and view all the answers

What prestigious Young Adult Literature award did Poet X win in 2019?

Michael L. Printz Award Signup and view all the answers

What is Xiomara's favorite musical genre?

Rap and hip-hop Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Batista's response to seeing Xiomara and Aman kissing on the train?

She forces Xiomara to kneel on rice in front of the altar of the Virgin Mary. Signup and view all the answers

What is Father Sean's interpretation of the story of Eve?

One should resist temptation. Signup and view all the answers

What is Xiomara's attitude towards attending confirmation classes?

She dislikes the classes and tries to avoid taking them. Signup and view all the answers

What person does Xiomara describe with the lines, '[h]e is not elegant enough for a sonnet, / too well-thought-out for a free write, / taking up too much space in my thoughts, / to ever be a haiku.'?

Aman Signup and view all the answers

Where does Xiomara usually eat her lunch?

She eats at a table with other quiet girls to avoid harassment. Signup and view all the answers

What is Xiomara's response to the rumors other girls spread about her?

She fights or pretends the rumors don't bother her. Signup and view all the answers

What is Xiomara's opinion about Xavier's kind of masculinity?

That he is the worst Dominican, but still likes him because he is not a stereotype. Signup and view all the answers

What are Altagracia Batista's rules about dating?

She does not allow her daughter to date. Signup and view all the answers

How does Aman respond when Xiomara refuses to have sex with him?

He helps her get dressed and makes some food for her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Xiomara's name mean?

Warrior Signup and view all the answers

How do the audience members respond when Xiomara performs at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe open mic night?

They applaud her, and the host of the event invites Xiomara to a citywide slam contest. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Batista respond when she discovers Xiomara's old journal on the kitchen table?

She burns the journal. Signup and view all the answers

What plans do Xiomara and Aman have for their first outing together?

To listen to music. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mrs. Batista respond to Xiomara's performance at the citywide slam?

She applauds her and celebrates with the rest of Xiomara's friends and family. Signup and view all the answers

What does Xiomara think of Nicki Minaj?

She sees Nicki Minaj as a gifted artist who uses her talent and positive attitude about her own body to be successful. Signup and view all the answers

According to Ms. Galiana, what is spoken word poetry?

Poetry that is performed. Signup and view all the answers

How does Xiomara feel in the aftermath of Mrs. Batista seeing Xiomara and Aman on the train?

She hates that she got caught but feels no remorse. Signup and view all the answers

How does Xiomara imagine her life in her essay in the last paragraph of her autobiography?

She will be a poet who runs a nonprofit for struggling girls with aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

How does Xiomara feel when she sits in church on Sundays?

She feels like church is a prison. Signup and view all the answers

How does Xiomara feel about the attention she receives from boys and men?

She dislikes it and does everything she can to avoid it. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Batista planning for Xiomara in the upcoming summer?

She plans to send Xiomara to the Dominican Republic. Signup and view all the answers

What gift does Mrs. Batista give Xiomara on Noche Buena?

Xiomara's baby bracelet, now resized to fit her larger arms. Signup and view all the answers

How does Xavier respond when Xiomara shows up at his school?

He is upset and tells her he does not need her to defend him now. Signup and view all the answers

How does Xiomara manage to begin attending poetry club?

She pretends to go to confirmation but goes to poetry club instead. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Xiomara's Life and Relationships

Xiomara's mother disapproves of her sitting on the stoop in front of their house.
The name Xiomara translates to "one who is ready for war," symbolizing her strength and struggle.
The day Xiomara got her period was traumatic; her mother's abusive reaction compounded her fear and confusion.
Xiomara feels responsible for protecting her younger brother due to his gentle nature.
Her mother's strictness aims to prevent Xiomara from having relationships with boys, reflecting cultural expectations.

Family Dynamics

Their father's emotional distance contrasts with his physical presence, affecting family relations.
Cultural norms dictate Xiomara does the majority of housework, emphasizing traditional gender roles.
Her mother’s rigid expectations make Xiomara feel both cherished and constrained.

Xiomara perceives her friendship with Caridad as embodying the phrase "opposites attract."
She describes her silence using a metaphor, likening her words to a machete when she finally speaks.
Xiomara uses cooking as a metaphor for her confusion about boys, indicating complexity in her feelings.

Poetry and Self-Expression

The Michael L. Printz Award in 2019 recognized Poet X for its outstanding contribution to Young Adult Literature.
Rap and hip-hop are Xiomara's preferred musical genres, reflecting her identity and voice.
She grapples with her identity in poetry, ultimately finding empowerment through performance.

Cultural and Religious Tensions

Xiomara's reluctance to attend Confirmation classes arises from unanswered questions about God.
Mrs. Batista's response to Xiomara's behavior is strict; she punishes her for actions like kissing Aman in public.

Personal Growth

Xiomara's performance at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe earns her applause and an invitation to a citywide slam, marking a pivotal moment in her journey as a poet.
Xavier's unique form of masculinity helps Xiomara challenge stereotypes while still navigating familial pressures.

Relationships with Boys

Xiomara finds unwanted attention from boys burdensome, leading her to seek isolation.
Aman's respectful response when Xiomara refuses to have sex contrasts with societal expectations, sustaining their bond.

Future Aspirations

Xiomara envisions a future where she runs a nonprofit for struggling girls, emphasizing her commitment to helping others.
Church feels imprisoning to Xiomara, highlighting her struggle with faith and tradition.

Significant Events

Mrs. Batista's punitive actions, like burning Xiomara's journal, symbolize repression of her daughter's voice.
The summer plans include sending Xiomara to the Dominican Republic, indicating ongoing cultural ties.

Personal Reflections

Xiomara sees Nicki Minaj as an inspiring figure who embraces her body and talent, reinforcing her admiration for female artists.
The audience's positive reception of her work encourages Xiomara's poetry journey and self-acceptance.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts and themes from 'The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo. These flashcards cover character insights, significant events, and meanings that shape Xiomara's journey. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this powerful novel.