INTRODUCTION. Judith Ortiz Cofer’s short story “American History” is a coming-of-age tale set in the early 1960s, when racism and segregation were still in full bloom. The story’s fourteen-year-old protagonist, Elena, is a Puerto Rican immigrant living with her family in Paterson, New Jersey, when President John F.

Why might Cofer have chosen to set Elena’s story on the day of the president’s assassination?

Why might Cofer have chosen to set Elena’s story on the day of the president’s assassination? To draw a parallel between America’s loss of hopes and dreams and Elena’s loss. This is reinforced by Kennedy’s association with racial equality and Eugene’s mother’s likely rejection of Elena because of her race.

Why is Elena turned away from Eugene’s house?

She is turned away by Eugene’s mother because Elena is Puerto Rican and not a southern white.

How do Elena and Eugene know each other?

How do Elena and Eugene know each other? Elena knows Eugene from watching him while sitting on her fire escape. She then meets up with him on the way home from school one day.

What is the climax of American history by Judith Ortiz Cofer?

The climax is when Elena accepts Eugene’s invitation to do homework session at his home. When she reach Eugene’s house, she was rejected by Eugene’s mom because she was Puerto Rican.

What subject is Elena going to study with Eugene?

(a) What subject is Elena planning to study with Eugene? Elena was planning to study American History with Eugene. B. Another reason why the author called this story American History, was because the story took place on a day that was very important to American History, the death of President John F.

How does Eugenes mother react to elenas visit?

How does Eugene’s mother react to Elena’s visit? She is cruel and disrespectful. She thinks Elena is nothing but trouble for Eugene.

How does Elena describe el building and the residents?

In paragraph 1, it states “At almost any hours of the day, El building was like a monstrous jukebox, blasting out salsas from open windows as the residents, mostly new immigrants just up from the island, tried to drown out whatever they were currently enduring with loud music.” Elena feelings towards Eugene’s house is

Which is the most accurate description of Elena’s status at school in American history?

What is the best description of Elena’s social status at school? She gets all A’s in her classes. She is an outsider.

What are the main conflicts that Elena faces in the story?

The main conflict in the story is that Elena wants to fit in and not she just not able to. The reasons being are that even at home she not able to feel accepted because her parents are barely at home. The girls that her school makes her feel unwanted.

Why do you think Elena doesn’t want to see the snow turning gray?

Elena did not want to see the white snow turn gray because it is another bad thing that she doesn’t want to through. It represents her losing her innocence. She wants to stay that way forever but can’t. She also wants to be with Eugene but can’t because his mom won’t let her.

What does Elena’s mother mean by giving Elena this warning?

the fate and sorrow of the president’s children and his widow. The theme of the story is mainly about. loneliness, friendship, and prejudice. Elena’s mother warns her that. she is heading for humiliation and pain by chasing after Eugene.

What is an example of irony in Judith Ortiz Cofer’s short story American history?

Author’s Device: Irony- Irony is when you think that something will happen but something else happens. “Today was the day I visit Eugene in his house. He had asked me to come over after school to study for an American history test with him. We had also planned to walk to the public library together” (Cofer 299).

What is the resolution for American history?

On July 2, 1776, Congress passed the Lee Resolution, concerning which John Adams wrote, in a letter to his wife, Abigail, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.

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