What is the theme of the short story American history?
Ortiz Cofer’s story explores the theme of tragedy, both personal and collective, as well as tragedy’s ability to simultaneously bring people together and push them apart.
Why might Cofer have chosen to set Elena’s story on the day of the president’s assassination in the selection American history?
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.
Who is Elena from American history?
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. Kennedy is assassinated. Despite this tragic event, Elena is focused on Eugene, her new neighbor and the object of her daydreams.
What is an external conflict we see Elena face?
Which is the best example of an external conflict between Elena and her mother? Elena wants to act according to her emotions, while her mother wants her to be careful.
What is the climax of the story American history?
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 conflict does Elena experience concerning her own reaction to the president’s death?
What conflict does Elena experience concerning her own reaction to the president’s death? She feels guilt because her sorrow is for her personal loss, not her country’s.
What is the mood in the story American history?
The tone of the story is somewhat a loss of happiness.
What is Elena’s conflict concerning her reaction to the president’s death?
Why does Elena say that her tears are just for herself?
In the last scene of the story, why does Elena say that her tears are just for herself? She feels the personal pain much more than the pain of the assassination of JFK.
What attracts Elena to Eugene?
Elena is attracted to Eugene because he likes to read books, as she does. When Elena approaches him, Eugene smiles and blushes; he likes her, but he is shy.
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 …