ELA-Bronx Masquerade

Chankara Troupe

Chankara has a problem with her boyfriend, as her boyfriend pushed her to do something she did not want to do. After disagreeing, Chankara is hit by her boyfriend. Chankara does not want to end up like her sister, who was constantly hit by her boyfriend, and who did not do anything about it.

Raul Ramirez

Raul is a very good artist, but most people don't think it's going to get him anywhere because making money from art is difficult. Raul's brothers look down on him for doing this as well. Raul really only wants to show how beautiful his people are, and go against the stereotypes against them.

Section 2 Characters

I said: "Ooh I'm Blinded By The Lights."

Symbol

Something concrete, such as an object, person, place, or event, that stands for or represents an abstract idea, quality, concept, or condition.

Janelle Battle

Janelle has a crush on Devon. However, she thinks Devon is way out of her league and she views herself as overweight, and Devon as good looking as a celebrity. However, Janelle knows she is beautiful on the inside, and she wishes people could see her that way rather than her appearance.

Judianne Alexander

Judianne believes herself to be ugly and not very smart, although she likes her body. What doesn't help is her step-dad constantly telling her she is ugly, and her mom never sticking up for her. Judianne does really enjoy making clothes however, and designing different outfits.

Leslie Lucas

Leslie is a white teenager in a largely black and hispanic community, She feels as though she has nothing in common with anyone. She moved here because her mom died, and she had to move with her Grandma who lived in the Bronx. She has trouble making friends until she meets Porscha. She originally assumes that she is violent but they end up sharing a connection, as both of their mom's died. Leslie is scared of being alone in the world.

Lupe Algarin

Lupe is very lonely, and feels as though no one in the world loves her. Her stepfather is a complete jerk, but she's stuck with him after her dad left her and her mom. So, as a result, Lupe wants a kid, like her classmate, Gloria has, that will love her unconditionally. Lupe also has a boyfriend, but her boyfriend is never around, so she breaks up with him.

Greek Chorus

A character in a story who comments on what is happening; helps the audience know what a character is thinking; offers background information, summaries, and comments.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight particular qualities of the other. Everything one is, the other is not. These differences highlight the key qualities of each character.

Personification

A figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to inanimate objects, animals, or ideas.

Simile

A figure of speech involving direct comparison between two unlike things and using words such as "like" or "as".

Metaphor

A figure of speech that implies or states a comparison between two unlike things that does not use the words like or as.

Foreshadowing

A hint of what's to come in the story. Used to keep the audience guessing or in a state of expectancy.

Concrete Poetry

A poem that has a distinct pattern or shape that is meant to be seen as a visual object; the shape dramatically reinforces the poem's meaning.

Allusion

A reference to a literary or historical person or event to explain a present situation.

Open Mike

A session in a club during which anyone is welcome to perform - sing, recite poetry, play music, or perform stand-up comedy.

Conflict

A struggle between two opposing forces. Usually sets the plot in motion. Four universally understood examples are: man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. nature, and man vs. society.

Devon Hope

Devon is known as "The Basketball Kid." Everyone expects him to be a total jock, and even though he enjoys basketball, he really enjoys reading. However, he's afraid the kids will make fun of him, and he's afraid of how people will react. He acts like his love for reading and jazz and poetry is a huge secret.

Diondra Jordan

Diondra is a very tall girl, who everyone expects to play basketball. In reality, Dionarda is a painter, like Raul. Her father is disappointed in her because she does not play sports, and her classmates think she is purposely bad at basketball, and they get mad at her. Diondra keeps her passion for painting secretive.

Tyrone Bittings

Doesn't see the point in school, as he thinks he is going to die early. Tyrone doesn't really care about his future, because he does not think that he is going to have one. Tyrone still has a dream though and wants to be a songwriter, so he presents his rap song to the class. Also, Tyrone's dad died in a drive by shooting when he was younger,

Wesley Boone

Friends with Tyrone. Doesn't care about homework much, but begins to become motivated by it after his class starts studying the Harlem Renaissance, which he is interested in. Wesley is the one who kickstarts Open Mike Fridays after reading a poem about Langston Hughes in front of the class. The class thinks it is cool, and the idea catches on.

Gloria Martinez

Gloria gave birth to a child. Even though she loves her baby, she is held back by it, as she has no time to hang out with friends, and it's her responsibility. She is struggling in school, although her teachers are somewhat understanding. Gloria realizes she has much more responsibility and really wants to pass high school.

Tone

The attitude of the writer towards his or her subject. Tone may be stated or implied.

Setting

The time and place in which the action of a narrative occurs. For example, the Bronx, New York City.

Theme

The underlying message of a literary work. It may be explicitly stated or implied.

Direct Characterization

What the author directly tells the reader about a character. Includes:physical descriptions, explicit revelations of character traits, etc.

Section 1-Literary Terms

ah shoot. Here we go again