Heritage and Multicultural American Identities
Read the excerpt from "The Weary Blues." Ain't got nobody in all this world, Ain't got nobody but ma self. I's gwine to quit ma frownin' And put ma troubles on the shelf. What is the effect of repeating the phrase "ain't got nobody" in the poem? It emphasizes the theme of sorrow and melancholy in the poem. It illustrates the singer's reluctance to perform the blues. It shows the singer's desire to connect to other musicians. It personifies the singer's thoughts and emotions.
It emphasizes the theme of sorrow and melancholy in the poem.
Read the passage from "Child of the Americas." I speak English with passion: it's the tongue of my consciousness, a flashing knife blade of crystal, my tool, my craft. How does the imagery create a visual of the speaker's use of English? It portrays her command of English as precise and beautiful. It shows that she is extremely hesitant to use English. It shows that she only uses English for practical communication. It portrays the language she uses as forceful and hurtful.
It portrays her command of English as precise and beautiful.
Read the passage from "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica." she is the Patroness of Exiles... who spends her days selling canned memories while listening to the Puerto Ricans complain that it would be cheaper to fly to San Juan than to buy a pound of Bustelo coffee here, and to Cubans perfecting their speech of a "glorious return" to Havana... to Mexicans who pass through, talking lyrically of dólares to be made in El Norte— The Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Mexicans in the passage help to create the image that the woman who runs the deli speaks many languages. people often come to the deli to complain. people come to the deli to honor their mothers. Latin American culture is very diverse.
Latin American culture is very diverse.
Which of the following best summarizes one central idea of the passage from "Mother Tongue"? The way a person speaks English is nobody's business but family members. The way a person speaks English is not noticed by business professionals. The way a person speaks English is not a good measure of intellectual ability. The way a person speaks English is the best criteria for a career choice.
The way a person speaks English is not a good measure of intellectual ability.
Read the passage from "Child of the Americas." I am of Latinoamerica, rooted in the history of my continent: I speak from that body. In these two lines, the speaker is showing how Latinoamerica is the foundation of culture. it is important for people to visit their homelands. culture is embedded in a person's identity. immigrants in America handle language barriers.
culture is embedded in a person's identity.
Read the excerpt from "Harlem." Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over- like a syrupy sweet? Read the excerpt from "The Weary Blues." Droning a drowsy syncopated tune Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon In both poems, Hughes uses the imagery to establish tone. offer background information. convey a criticism. conjure pleasant memories.
establish tone.
Read the descriptions of rhyme schemes below. Free verse: poetry that does not use a consistent rhyme scheme Iambic pentameter: a poetic rhyme scheme in which each rhyming line has ten syllables Blank verse: poetry that uses unrhymed iambic pentameter Rhyming couplets: a series of two consecutive lines that rhyme in a poem Based on the descriptions, what rhyme scheme does the poem "Harlem" use? free verse iambic pentameter blank verse couplets
free verse
Read the excerpt from "The Weary Blues." He made that poor piano moan with melody. O Blues! Swaying to and fro on his rickety stool He played that sad raggy tune like a musical fool. Sweet Blues! Coming from a black man's soul. O Blues! The phrases "O Blues!" and "Sweet Blues!" are examples of alliteration. repetition. hyperbole. simile.
repetition.
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." Leon stared at the new moccasins that Teofilo had made for the ceremonial dances in the summer. They were nearly hidden by the red blanket. It was getting colder, and the wind pushed gray dust down the narrow pueblo road. Which of the following items acts as a symbol in this excerpt? the moccasins the red blanket the wind the road
the red blanket
According to the speaker's perspective in the poem "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica," what is poetic about the deli? the beauty of the woman who works behind the counter the intellectual conversations that take place inside the deli the emotional attachment to things that are reminders of heritage the complaints about the high cost of imported products
the emotional attachment to things that are reminders of heritage
In the poem "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica," which description suggests that the speaker is fond of the shopkeeper? the woman's plump arms resting upon the counter the woman's "plain wide face" and "ample bosom" the woman's look of maternal interest as others talk the woman's ageless appearance and lack of prettiness
the woman's look of maternal interest as others talk
What is one difference in the themes of "Harlem" and "The Weary Blues"? "Harlem" shows curiosity, while "The Weary Blues" conveys facts. "Harlem" shows joy, while "The Weary Blues" conveys disappointment. "Harlem" conveys sorrow, while "The Weary Blues" shows happiness. "Harlem" conveys resentment, while "The Weary Blues" shows expression.
"Harlem" conveys resentment, while "The Weary Blues" shows expression.
Which of the following best summarizes one central idea of the passage from "Mother Tongue"? All forms of the English language are meaningful and purposeful. Some forms of the English language do not translate well into writing. The English language would be more efficient with a Chinese structure. English language proficiency can only be determined through testing.
All forms of the English language are meaningful and purposeful.
Read the following quote from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds" "Send us rain clouds, Grandfather." They laid the bundle in the back of the pickup and covered it with a heavy tarp before they started back to the pueblo. This quote is located early in the narrative. What does it reveal about Leon? He is more worried about the rain than the death of his grandfather. He is a devout follower of the Roman Catholic Church. He is already planning on asking for holy water from Father Paul . He greatly values the traditional beliefs of the Pueblo people.
He greatly values the traditional beliefs of the Pueblo people
Read the following quote from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." The priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. "For a Christian burial it was necessary." His voice was distant, and Leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. "It's O.K., Father, we just want him to have plenty of water." The priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. He turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. "You know I can't do that, Leon. There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least." Based on this excerpt, what can be inferred about Father Paul's feelings? He secretly feels frustrated that Leon and the Pueblo people hold on to their traditional beliefs. He hopes to convince the Pueblo people to convert from their traditional beliefs to Christianity. He is upset because he is unable to stand up to Leon's demands and manipulations. He is discouraged because Leon does not view the holy water as a holy symbol.
He is discouraged because Leon does not view the holy water as a holy symbol.
Read the following quote from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." "Well, I'm glad you understand. I hope I'll be seeing you at Mass this week—we missed you last Sunday. See if you can get old Teofilo to come with you." The priest smiled and waved at them as they drove away. This quote is located early in the narrative. What does it reveal about Father Paul? He is out of touch with the community he serves. He has been Leon's priest for a long time. He does not care for the members of his congregation. He knows that Teofilo has passed away.
He is out of touch with the community he serves.
Read the excerpt from Cristina Garcia's Dreaming in Cuban. If it were up to me, I'd record other things. Like the time there was a freak hailstorm in the Congo and the women took it as a sign that they should rule . . . Why don't I know anything about them? Who chooses what we should know or what's important? I know I have to decide these things for myself. Most of what I've learned that's important I've learned on my own, or from my grandmother. What does the excerpt reveal about Cristina Garcia? Her background in journalism has made the writing of realistic fiction more difficult for her. Her background in journalism has helped her research and use realistic details in her fiction. Her background in journalism has prevented her from using magic realism in her fiction. Her background in journalism has caused her to become an efficient and thorough editor.
Her background in journalism has helped her research and use realistic details in her fiction.
Read the two excerpts about Pilar from Dreaming in Cuban. Excerpt 1: They called me brujita, little witch. I stared at them, tried to make them go away. Excerpt 2: Another woman, an elderly mulatta, claimed that her hair was falling out from the menacing stares the baby gave her. Which statement is the best synthesis for the two excerpts? Most Cuban women rely on the services of nannies when raising their children. Supernatural experiences are frequently dismissed as being coincidental in Cuban culture. Inexplicable events are sometimes interpreted as supernatural experiences in Cuban culture. Many Cuban children remember the earliest events of their childhood.
Inexplicable events are sometimes interpreted as supernatural experiences in Cuban culture.
Read the excerpt from Cristina Garcia's Dreaming in Cuban. I was only two years old when I left Cuba but I remember everything that's happened to me since I was a baby, even word-for-word conversations. I was sitting in my grandmother's lap, playing with her drop pearl earrings, when my mother told her we were leaving the country. Abuela Celia called her a traitor to the revolution. Mom tried to pull me away but I clung to the Abuela and screamed at the top of my lungs. My grandfather came running and said, "Celia, let the girl go. She belongs with Lourdes." This was the last time I saw her. How does the structure of the excerpt add meaning to the passage? It manipulates the chronological order of events to reveal the difficult relationship between Lourdes and Celia. It provides characterization for Celia as it reveals her physical appearance. It introduces several of the narrators who will share their points of view. It includes dialogue to indicate that the characters in the nonfiction account are real people.
It introduces several of the narrators who will share their points of view.
Read the passage from "Child of the Americas." I am not african. Africa is in me, but I cannot return. I am not taína. Taíno is in me, but there is no way back. I am not european. Europe lives in me, but I have no home there. What does this passage reveal about the speaker of the poem? It shows that she feels rejected by multiple communities. It shows that she lost touch with her heritage because her ancestors were immigrants. It shows that she embraces all parts of her heritage by refusing to be classified as one in particular. It shows that she has no idea where she comes from.
It shows that she embraces all parts of her heritage by refusing to be classified as one in particular.
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." Leon watched him climb the hill, and when he had disappeared within the tall, thick walls, Leon turned to look up at the high blue mountains in the deep snow that reflected a faint red light from the west. He felt good because it was finished, and he was happy about the sprinkling of the holy water; now the old man could send them big thunderclouds for sure. What does the holy water symbolize for Leon? It symbolizes his ties to the Catholic Church. It symbolizes his love and affection for Teofilo. It symbolizes his Pueblo traditions and hope for rain. It symbolizes his strong rejection of Pueblo traditions.
It symbolizes his Pueblo traditions and hope for rain.
Read the two excerpts about Jorge del Pino from Dreaming in Cuban. Excerpt 1: My grandfather came running and said, "Celia, let the girl go. She belongs with Lourdes." Excerpt 2: "Pilar doesn't hate you, hija. She just hasn't learned to love you yet." Which statement best synthesizes the ideas in these two excerpts? Jorge understands that mother-daughter relationships can be complex. Jorge values his relationship with his daughter more than the one with his wife. Jorge wants more than anything to build a closer relationship with his granddaughter. Jorge wants his family to value their Cuban background and stay together.
Jorge understands that mother-daughter relationships can be complex.
Which excerpt from "The Man to Send Rain Clouds" best illustrates how Leon's beliefs differ from those of Father Paul? "Well, I'm glad you understand. I hope I'll be seeing you at Mass this week—we missed you last Sunday. See if you can get old Teofilo to come with you." The priest smiled and waved at them as they drove away. Leon walked toward the old man's bed. The red plaid shawl had been shaken and spread carefully over the bed, and a new brown flannel shirt and pair of stiff new Levi's were arranged neatly beside the pillow. It was noontime now because the church bells rang the Angelus. They ate the beans with hot bread, and nobody said anything until after Teresa poured the coffee. Leon turned to look up at the high blue mountains in the deep snow that reflected a faint red light from the west. He felt good because it was finished, and he was happy about the sprinkling of the holy water; now the old man could send them big thunderclouds for sure.
Leon turned to look up at the high blue mountains in the deep snow that reflected a faint red light from the west. He felt good because it was finished, and he was happy about the sprinkling of the holy water; now the old man could send them big thunderclouds for sure.
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." The priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. "For a Christian burial it was necessary." His voice was distant, and Leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. "It's O.K., Father, we just want him to have plenty of water." The priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. He turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. "You know I can't do that, Leon. There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least." Leon put on his green cap and pulled the flaps down over his ears. "It's getting late, Father. I've got to go." Which of the following statements best describes the thematic significance of this dialogue? This dialogue emphasizes the ongoing personal conflict between Leon and Father Paul. This conversation between Leon and Father Paul makes it clear that they will never come to an agreement. Leon's and Father Paul's differing perspectives of the situation reflect their larger cultural conflicts. Leon's hasty exit from Father Paul's house reflects his discomfort with the priest and Christianity.
Leon's and Father Paul's differing perspectives of the situation reflect their larger cultural conflicts.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Yet some of my friends tell me they understand 50 percent of what my mother says. Some say they understand 80 to 90 percent. Some say they understand none of it, as if she were speaking pure Chinese. But to me, my mother's English is perfectly clear, perfectly natural. It's my mother tongue. Her language, as I hear it, is vivid, direct, full of observation and imagery. That was the language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world. Which best summarizes the central idea of the excerpt? Nonstandard forms of English are valid, complete languages. People from different cultures can easily learn to speak English. The English and Chinese languages have similar structures. Parents should use standard English with their children in the home.
Nonstandard forms of English are valid, complete languages.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Just last week, I was walking down the street with my mother, and I again found myself conscious of the English I was using, the English I do use with her. We were talking about the price of new and used furniture and I heard myself saying this: "Not waste money that way." My husband was with us as well, and he didn't notice any switch in my English. And then I realized why. It's because over the twenty years we've been together I've often used that same kind of English with him, and sometimes he even uses it with me. It has become our language of intimacy, a different sort of English that relates to family talk, the language I grew up with. Which best summarizes the central idea of the excerpt? Nonstandard forms of English are only appropriate among family members. Standard forms of English imply a lack of family values and closeness. Nonstandard forms of English imply close relationships and family values. Standard forms of English are not appropriate among family members.
Nonstandard forms of English imply close relationships and family values.
What imagery from "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica" helps develop the woman who runs the bodega as a "mother figure" to people of various ages and cultures? She "must trade" with "closed ports." She is "presiding over a formica counter." She sells products that "would cost less at the A&P." She is a woman typically found in any "family portrait."
She is a woman typically found in any "family portrait."
Read the excerpt from Cristina Garcia's Dreaming in Cuban. Lourdes considers herself lucky. Immigration has redefined her, and she is grateful. Unlike her husband, she welcomes her adopted language, its possibilities for reinvention. Lourdes relishes winter most of all—the cold scraping sounds on sidewalks and windshields, the ritual of scarves and gloves, hats and zip-in coat linings. Its layers protect her. She wants no part of Cuba, no part of its wretched carnival floats creaking with lies, no part of Cuba at all, which Lourdes claims never possessed her. Which sentence is an example of magic realism? Unlike her husband, she welcomes her adopted language, its possibilities for reinvention. Lourdes relishes winter most of all—the cold scraping sounds on sidewalks and windshields, the ritual of scarves and gloves, hats and zip-in coat linings. Its layers protect her. She wants no part of Cuba, no part of its wretched carnival floats creaking with lies, no part of Cuba at all, which Lourdes claims never possessed her.
She wants no part of Cuba, no part of its wretched carnival floats creaking with lies, no part of Cuba at all, which Lourdes claims never possessed her.
What effect does Hughes achieve by repeating the phrase "does it" in "Harlem"? Short words and hard consonants create a sense of angry uncertainty. Short words and questions demonstrate Hughes's confidence. The repetition creates a sense of peace and serenity for the reader. The repetition highlights Hughes's feelings of self-respect.
Short words and hard consonants create a sense of angry uncertainty.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." I've heard other terms used, "limited English," for example. But they seem just as bad, as if everything is limited, including people's perceptions of the limited English speaker. How does Tan build a central idea of her story in the excerpt? Tan presents factual evidence to support the idea that the English language provides fewer opportunities for expression than other languages. Tan expresses an opinion to support the idea that people who speak nonstandard forms of English are unfairly judged in negative ways. Tan tells a story to support the idea that people who speak nonstandard forms of English are unable to communicate effectively. Tan discusses the limits of writing in English to support the idea that authors learn other languages to express their ideas more fully.
Tan expresses an opinion to support the idea that people who speak nonstandard forms of English are unfairly judged in negative ways.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Those tests were constructed around items like fill-in-the-blank sentence completion, such as "Even though Tom was ______, Mary thought he was _____." And the correct answer always seemed to be the most bland combinations of thoughts, for example, "Even though Tom was foolish, Mary thought he was ridiculous." Well, according to my mother, there were very few limitations as to what Tom could have been and what Mary might have thought of him. So I never did well on tests like that. How does Tan build a central idea of her story in the excerpt? Tan discusses the types of questions on achievement tests to support the idea that the tests limit students' ability to write well. Tan explains a question on a language achievement test to support the idea that the tests should include more interesting content. Tan gives an example of her experience with achievement tests to support the idea that they are not always accurate measures of language ability. Tan considers how her mother might answer a question on a test to support the idea that nonstandard English limits a person's ability to communicate.
Tan gives an example of her experience with achievement tests to support the idea that they are not always accurate measures of language ability.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." I am a writer. And by that definition, I am someone who has always loved language. I am fascinated by language in daily life. I spend a great deal of my time thinking about the power of language—the way it can evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth. Language is the tool of my trade. And I use them all—all the Englishes I grew up with. How does Tan build a central idea of her story in the excerpt? Tan references her writing career to build the idea that writing is the most satisfying career choice for Asian Americans. Tan references her work with language to build the idea that all forms of English are purposeful and meaningful. Tan references her fascination with language to build the idea that daily life is the best language source for writers. Tan references her thoughts about language to build the idea that more people should think about their language usage
Tan references her work with language to build the idea that all forms of English are purposeful and meaningful.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Just last week, I was walking down the street with my mother, and I again found myself conscious of the English I was using, the English I do use with her. We were talking about the price of new and used furniture and I heard myself saying this: "Not waste money that way." My husband was with us as well, and he didn't notice any switch in my English. And then I realized why. It's because over the twenty years we've been together I've often used that same kind of English with him, and sometimes he even uses it with me. It has become our language of intimacy, a different sort of English that relates to family talk, the language I grew up with. Which information from the excerpt best supports the inference that nonstandard forms of English can express relationship nuances that standard English cannot? Tan encourages her husband to use nonstandard English so her mother can understand him. Tan uses nonstandard English with her husband so that he can better understand what she is saying. Tan forces herself to use nonstandard English with her family to make them feel more comfortable. Tan uses the nonstandard English of her childhood with her husband because it expresses intimacy.
Tan uses the nonstandard English of her childhood with her husband because it expresses intimacy.
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." And sure enough, the following week there we were in front of this astonished stockbroker, and I was sitting there red-faced and quiet, and my mother, the real Mrs. Tan, was shouting at his boss in her impeccable broken English. Which information from the excerpt best supports the inference that all forms of English can be effective forms of communication? Tan uses "red-faced" to describe herself when her mother is speaking. Tan uses the phrase "the real Mrs.Tan" to refer to her mother. Tan uses the word "shouting" to describe her mother's tone of voice. Tan uses the word "impeccable" to describe her mother's English.
Tan uses the word "impeccable" to describe her mother's English
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Lately, I've been giving more thought to the kind of English my mother speaks. Like others, I have described it to people as "broken" or "fractured" English. But I wince when I say that. It has always bothered me that I can think of no other way to describe it other than "broken," as if it were damaged and needed to be fixed, as if it lacked a certain wholeness and soundness. What best supports the inference that Tan believes nonstandard English is no less valid than standard English? Tan spends a lot of time thinking about her mother's "fractured" English. Tan has trouble thinking of descriptive words when she is writing. Tan's American education makes it difficult for her to understand her mother. Tan winces when she describes her mother's English as "broken."
Tan winces when she describes her mother's English as "broken."
Read the excerpt from "Mother Tongue." Those tests were constructed around items like fill-in-the-blank sentence completion, such as "Even though Tom was ______, Mary thought he was _____." And the correct answer always seemed to be the most bland combinations of thoughts, for example, "Even though Tom was foolish, Mary thought he was ridiculous." Well, according to my mother, there were very few limitations as to what Tom could have been and what Mary might have thought of him. So I never did well on tests like that. Which information from the excerpt best supports the inference that achievement tests ignore imagination as an element of language ability? Tan's mother would not be able to answer a question like the one described in the excerpt. Tan's mother could think of several ways to answer a question like the one described in the excerpt. Tan's mother did not allow her to take tests with questions like the one described in the excerpt. Tan's mother was disappointed that Tan did poorly on tests with questions like the one described in the excerpt.
Tan's mother could think of several ways to answer a question like the one described in the excerpt.
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." Leon knocked at the old carved door with its symbols of the Lamb. While he waited he looked up at the twin bells from the king of Spain with the last sunlight pouring around them in their tower. What does the image of the Lamb above the priest's door symbolize? The Lamb symbolizes the traditions of the Catholic Church. The Lamb symbolizes the sheep raised by the Pueblo people. The Lamb symbolizes the gentleness of the Pueblo people. The Lamb symbolizes the virtues valued in Pueblo culture.
The Lamb symbolizes the traditions of the Catholic Church.
How is the speaker's point of view in the poem "Child of the Americas" used to explore cultural identity? The third-person point of view allows her to be an objective observer of cultural conflicts. The third-person point of view allows her to look at culture from a historical perspective. The first-person point of view allows her to claim ownership of her own cultural identity. The first-person point of view allows her to share personal experiences of racism in America.
The first-person point of view allows her to claim ownership of her own cultural identity.
Read the lines from "Harlem." Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Read the lines from "The Weary Blues." He did a lazy sway . . . He did a lazy sway. Which best describes the relationship between these lines? The lines from "Harlem" provide sensory details, and the lines from "The Weary Blues" do not. The lines from "Harlem" and the lines from "The Weary Blues" both provide details through personification. The lines from "Harlem" provide details using the sense of sight, and the lines from "The Weary Blues" provide details using the sense of touch. The lines from "Harlem" and the lines from "The Weary Blues" both provide details using the sense of sight.
The lines from "Harlem" and the lines from "The Weary Blues" both provide details using the sense of sight.
In what way does the line "sags like a heavy load" in "Harlem" relate to the overall feeling of "The Weary Blues"? The song lyrics in "The Weary Blues" reflect a "heavy load" for the singer. The audience in "The Weary Blues" is deeply affected, or "loaded," by the song. The speaker of "The Weary Blues" is not impressed by the singer, who "sags." The singer in "The Weary Blues" "sags" under the pressure of performing.
The song lyrics in "The Weary Blues" reflect a "heavy load" for the singer.
Read the passage from "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica." all wanting the comfort of spoken Spanish, to gaze upon the family portrait of her plain wide face, her ample bosom resting on her plump arms, her look of maternal interest as they speak to her and each other of their dreams and their disillusions— Which best describes the role of the speaker? The speaker is describing a scene in the third person as a sentimental observer. The speaker is describing a scene in the third person as a critical observer. The speaker is describing a past personal experience in the first person. The speaker is describing a present personal experience in the first person.
The speaker is describing a scene in the third person as a sentimental observer.
Read the excerpt from "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica." plain ham and cheese that would cost less at the A&P, but it would not satisfy the hunger of the fragile old man lost in the folds of his winter coat, who brings her lists of items that he reads to her like poetry, or the others, whose needs she must divine, conjuring up products from places that now exist only in their hearts— closed ports she must trade with. Which best describes how the author's word choice affects the tone of the poem? The tone is bitter because the woman who runs the deli tries to obtain items from "closed ports." The tone is sorrowful because "the fragile old man" cannot afford to pay for his food. The tone is nostalgic because the people have "hunger" for items from "places that now exist only in their hearts." The tone is angry because the food would "cost less at the A&P," making people feel cheated.
The tone is nostalgic because the people have "hunger" for items from "places that now exist only in their hearts."
Read the poem "If We Must Die" by Claude McKay. If we must die—let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot. If we must die—oh, let us nobly die So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! Oh, Kinsmen! We must meet the common foe; Though far outnumbered, let us still be brave, And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow! What though before us lies the open grave? Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but—fighting back! What sentence best conveys the speaker's message? Nature is more powerful than man. Victory is unlikely when one is outnumbered. There is honor in dying courageously. Nonviolence is the only way to prevent bloodshed.
There is honor in dying courageously.
Which lines from "The Weary Blues" suggest that the speaker is impressed by the musician? Down on Lenox Avenue the other night By the dull pale pallor of an old gas light With his ebony hands on each ivory key He made that poor piano moan with melody. In a deep voice with a melancholy tone Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor.
With his ebony hands on each ivory key He made that poor piano moan with melody.
Which is the best definition of the term "magic realism"? a narrative genre of literature that takes ordinary events and makes them seem extraordinary to the reader a narrative genre closely linked to nineteenth-century writers throughout the Americas and Europe a narrative genre that can be traced to the history of European colonialism throughout the world a narrative genre characterized by its use of fantastic or mythic elements in otherwise realistic fiction
a narrative genre characterized by its use of fantastic or mythic elements in otherwise realistic fiction
The speaker in "The Weary Blues" is most likely an audience member at a blues show. a band member for a blues singer. a contemporary blues critic. a historian studying blues musicians.
an audience member at a blues show.
Students who have read a section of a text and do not understand it should keep reading until the end of the story, when things will become clear. ask themselves when comprehension was lost. begin to copy any remaining text into their notes. push themselves to read faster in order to finish early and review.
ask themselves when comprehension was lost.
Read the excerpt from Cristina Garcia's Dreaming in Cuban. My mother says that Abuela Celia's had plenty of chances to leave Cuba but that she's stubborn and got her head turned around by El Líder. Mom says "Communist" the way some people says "cancer," low and fierce. Which element from this excerpt best characterizes Garcia's story as one of magic realism? linking the words "communist" and "cancer" presenting the idea of leaving Cuba as an extraordinary event using El Líder as an additional narrator from Cuba connecting Celia with Latin American history
connecting Celia with Latin American history
Which phrase best defines the term "figurative language"? language that directly states what it means the representation of one idea by another an exaggeration of the way things really are language that is not intended to be taken literally
language that is not intended to be taken literally
Read the lines from "The Weary Blues." Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor. He played a few chords then he sang some more. The repetition of the word "thump" is an example of what literary device? personification simile onomatopoeia metaphor
onomatopoeia
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." The sun was approaching the long mesa where it disappeared during the winter. What type of figurative language is included in this passage? hyperbole metaphor personification simile
personification
Read the passage from "Child of the Americas." I am Caribeña, island grown. Spanish is in my flesh, ripples from my tongue, lodges in my hips: the language of garlic and mangoes, the singing in my poetry, the flying gestures of my hands. Based on the imagery in the passage, how does the speaker feel when she is speaking Spanish? different from other Americans proud and expressive homesick for her home country displaced in America
proud and expressive
Read the excerpt from Cristina Garcia's Dreaming in Cuban. The sunset flares behind a row of brownstones, linking them as if by a flaming ribbon. Lourdes massages her eyes and begins walking with legs that feel held by splints. "I'm glad to see you, Lourdes. Thank you for everything, hija, the hat, the cigars. You buried me like an Egyptian king, with all my valuables!" Jorge del Pino laughs. Lourdes perceives the faint scent of her father's cigar . . . "Where are you, Papi?" The street is vacant, as if a force has absorbed all living things. Even the trees seem more shadow than substance. "Nearby," her father says, serious now. The author uses magic realism by revealing Jorge's appreciation for his valued burial gifts. describing the support for Lourdes's unstable legs as she walks. using words such as "flares," "faint," "vacant," and "shadow." comparing the description of the setting sun with a flaming ribbon.
revealing Jorge's appreciation for his valued burial gifts.
Read the passage from "Child of the Americas." I am Caribeña, island grown. Spanish is in my flesh, ripples from my tongue, lodges in my hips: the language of garlic and mangoes, the singing in my poetry, the flying gestures of my hands. The words "garlic and mangoes" in this passage are sensory images illustrating the speaker's island heritage. sensory images depicting a foreign and unknown culture. allusions to a well-known Spanish poem. allusions to common household items.
sensory images illustrating the speaker's island heritage.
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." The sky in the west was full of pale yellow light. Louise stood outside with her hands in the pockets of Leon's green army jacket that was too big for her. The funeral was over, and the old men had taken their candles and medicine bags and were gone. She waited until the body was laid into the pickup before she said anything to Leon. She touched his arm, and he noticed that her hands were still dusty from the corn meal that she had sprinkled around the old man. When she spoke, Leon could not hear her. Which detail in this excerpt indicates that Leon and his family still carry out traditional Pueblo practices? the funeral service and the candles the sky in the west and the pale yellow light the body in the pickup and the army jacket the medicine bags and the sprinkled cornmeal
the medicine bags and the sprinkled cornmeal
Read this line from "Harlem." Or does it explode? Read this line from "The Weary Blues." Thump, thump, thump, went his foot on the floor. What sense do both of these lines rely on? the sense of touch the sense of hearing the sense of sight the sense of smell
the sense of hearing
Which complex narrative structure is underutilized by Cristina Garcia in Dreaming in Cuban? the attention given to presenting the work as fiction the use of unconventional textual features the representation of several narrators the manipulation of the chronological order of events
the use of unconventional textual features
Read the following excerpt from Leslie Marmon Silko's story "The Man to Send Rain Clouds." Before they wrapped the old man, Leon took a piece of string out of his pocket and tied a small gray feather in the old man's long white hair. Ken gave him the paint. Across the brown wrinkled forehead he drew a streak of white and along the high cheekbones he drew a strip of blue paint. He paused and watched Ken throw pinches of corn meal and pollen into the wind that fluttered the small gray feather. Then Leon painted with yellow under the old man's broad nose, and finally, when he had painted green across the chin, he smiled. The actions of Leon and Ken indicate that they are overwhelmed with grief at the old man's death. they still value the traditional beliefs of the Pueblo people. they did not care much for the deceased man. they have abandoned the traditional practices of the Pueblo.
they still value the traditional beliefs of the Pueblo people.
