American History by Judith Ortiz Cofer Feature Menu Introducing the Story Literary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach Reading Skills: Summarizing

American History by Judith Ortiz Cofer

American History Introducing the Story All loss, all pain, is particular; the universe remains to the heart unhurt. Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1841

American History Introducing the Story “American History” is a fictional work that incorporates historical details about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Set on the day of Kennedy’s assassination, this story focuses on a young Puerto Rican girl’s experience with prejudice and heartbreak. [End of Section]

American History Literary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach Biographical Approach Writers may reveal something about their childhood, heritage, or beliefs in a literary work. Writers change names and details.

American History Literary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach Writers may relate a literary work to the themes and issues of their historical period. The historical issues may be central to the work or provide background for the characters’ lives.

American History Literary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach The Best of Both Approaches “American History” incorporates elements from the author’s own life. Elena’s experiences reflect the experiences of the author, Judith Ortiz Cofer, who also lived in a community of Puerto Rican immigrants in New Jersey.

American History Literary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach The Best of Both Approaches “American History” incorporates elements from history. Elena’s experiences reveal what life was like for Puerto Rican immigrants living in New Jersey in the 1960s how President Kennedy’s assassination affected the nation [End of Section]

American History Reading Skills: Summarizing When you finish a story, you should pause to summarize what happens. Focus on the story’s most important elements by reviewing who the main characters are what happens to them

American History Reading Skills: Summarizing After you have summarized a story, compare it to the original text. Have any important details or events been left out? Would someone reading the summary have to read the original to have a solid understanding of the story? If necessary, revise your summary so that it is as clear and informative as possible. [End of Section]

American History Background President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. That unforgettable day has become an important part of the way we view ourselves as a nation. Even today people from all walks of life share stories about where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was killed. [End of Section]

Quickwrite

American History Quickwrite Make the Connection List moments in your life that you’ll always remember. Your list might include events that have historical significance as well as personal importance. Jot down notes explaining why each event is memorable. [End of Section]

Vocabulary

American History Vocabulary Previewing the Vocabulary literally adv.: actually; in fact. discreet adj.: careful; showing good judgment. linger v.: continue to stay; be reluctant to leave. infatuated adj.: carried away by shallow or foolish love. vigilant adj.: watchful. enthralled v.: fascinated.

American History Vocabulary Previewing the Vocabulary elation n.: great joy. distraught adj.: deeply troubled, as with worry or grief. dilapidated adj.: in poor condition; shabby and neglected. solace n.: comfort; easing of grief.

American History Vocabulary Vocabulary Activity: Analogies In an analogy the same relationship must be expressed in two pairs of words. TERRIFIED : AFRAID :: hot : ______ a. cold b. warm c. dry d. thirsty warm 1. The relationship between the first pair of words is one of degree. Terrified describes a more intense, overwhelming type of fear than the word afraid implies. 2. In the second pair, hot refers to having a high temperature. The one word choice that indicates less intense heat is warm.

American History Vocabulary Vocabulary Activity: Analogies Relationship Example Synonyms HELP : AID :: speak : talk Degree DISAPPOINTED : HEARTBROKEN :: pretty : beautiful Object (or thing) to a characteristic of it APPLE : CRISP :: lemon : sour Cause and effect COLD : SHIVER :: happiness : smile Object to function SCALE : WEIGH :: knife : cut Worker to tool CARPENTER : SAW :: firefighter : hose Performer to action CLOWN : JUGGLE :: pitcher : throw

American History Vocabulary Vocabulary Activity: Analogies Use the Word Bank words to complete each analogy. infatuated distraught dilapidated literally elation 1. LABOR : FATIGUE :: victory : __________ 2. DAMP : WET :: worried : __________ 3. PIN : SHARP :: shack : __________ HONESTLY : TRUTHFULLY :: actually : __________ CHILLY : FREEZING :: attracted : __________ elation distraught dilapidated literally infatuated [End of Section]

Meet the Writer

American History Meet the Writer Judith Ortiz Cofer was born in Puerto Rico. Her family moved to Paterson, New Jersey, after her father joined the United States Navy. Her family often returned to Puerto Rico, and Cofer spent her childhood partly in New Jersey and partly in Puerto Rico. While in Paterson, Cofer’s family lived in a large apartment building that was known as El Building (like Elena’s home in “American History”). More About the Writer [End of Section]