Comprehension
Why do the little house and its residents have such a fascination for Elena even before Eugene moves to the neighborhood?
She feels that she has become part of the life she witnesses unfolding in the house.
Meaning of enthralled.
Quite fascinated
What do the kids at school call Elena and Eugene?
“Skinny Bones” and the “Hick”
What are the two types of conflict found in Narrative Structure?
Internal and External
Why is Elena so happy on the day of President Kennedy’s death?
She is going to study at Eugene’s house.
How might a daughter best show that she is devoted to her mother?
by being attentive to her needs.
Toward the end of “American History,” Eugene’s mother tells Elena, “I am truly sorry if he told you you could come over. He cannot study with you. It’s nothing personal. You understand?” What is it that Eugene’s mother most likely wants Elena to “understand”?
Eugene’s mother does not want Eugene to socialize with someone of Elena’s background.
The following quote is an example of what type of conflict? "I decided to approach him directly, though my stomach was doing somersaults."
Internal
What happens when Elena goes to Eugene’s house?
Eugene’s mother turns her away, telling her that she will not be allowed to study with Eugene.
Which of the following events would a person most likely have anticipated when young?
1. a sudden assassination of the President
2. a comfortable retirement in a warm climate
3. a surprising rejection by a stranger
4. a birthday party held by a good friend
4. a birthday party held by a good friend
Most accurate description of Elena’s status at school?
She is something of an outsider.
The following statement is an example of what type of conflict? Elena wants to act according to her emotions; her mother wants her to be prudent and careful.
External
Elena’s mother and Eugene’s mother have a similar concern about their children. From the details in the story, choose the statement that best describes the viewpoint they share.
Both mothers wish their children to avoid mixing with members of another ethnic group.
What does infatuated mean?
Briefly but intensely in love.
What can you infer about Elena’s parents from the details she provides?
They work hard and make sacrifices in the hope of a better future.
Analyze the quote found at the end of “American History”
"That night, I lay in my bed trying to feel the right thing for our dead President. But the tears that came up from a deep source inside me were strictly for me."
She wants to feel appropriate sorrow over the President’s assassination but is consumed by her own unhappiness.
The 1960s, when “American History” is set, was a time of great social change and reform. Which of the following issues of the time is most relevant to Elena’s experiences in the story?
strong ethnic divisions in urban areas
What does elation mean?
having great happiness and excitement.
When Elena finally speaks to Eugene, how is he different from what she expected?
She expects snobbery, but he turns out to be shy and open to friendship.
“You are forgetting who you are, Niña. I have seen you staring down at that boy’s house. You are heading for humiliation and pain.”
This is an example of what type of conflict?
External