Maria's Characterization
Based on the story, what does Maria present to the outside world?
Use one piece of evidence from the text to support your answer!!
Ms. Kaufman will decide if good enough...
According to the lesson, what do the suburbs represent in Maria's life?
Safety, predictability, childhood, and family.
Name another story where a character struggles between two worlds or identities.
Ms. Kaufman decides...
What TV show is based in New Jersey and involves a bunch of adults being stupid crazyyyyyyyyyyy?
The Jersey Shore
What is the central metaphor in "Suburbia"?
Maria coming home to her "small" home and family representing how much she as grown in the big world.
What is Maria actually dealing with on the inside?
Internal conflict about leaving home, independence, and family loyalty (Or Ms. Kaufman will decide if good enough...)
What does Los Angeles symbolize for Maria?
Independence, ambition, and adult life.
How is Maria's journey similar to that of the main character in "On Turning ten"?
You may use your reading for assistance.
Transition from Innocence to Awareness
Loss of Childhood Wonder
Emotional Weight of Change
Coming-of-Age Themes
What is the capital of NJ?
Trenton
What major life theme does Maria struggle with throughout the story?
The conflict between comfort and freedom, or growing up and redefining family ties.
Describe Maria's relationship with her father using direct characterization from the story.
Use evidence to support your answer!!!
Ms. Kaufman WILL DECIDEEEEE
How do Maria's surroundings create her internal conflict?
Being between two worlds (suburbs and LA) makes her torn between comfort and freedom.
What is New Jersey's nickname?
HINT: It is on our license plates...
The Garden State
The safe, predictable suburbs (childhood/family) and Los Angeles (independence/ambition/adult life).
How does Maria's character evolve throughout the story?
She moves from internal conflict to a clearer understanding of her own identity and choices
Compare Maria's relationship with her father to a parent-child relationship in another text.
I will decide...
Where does Ms. Kaufman live?
Manalapan
What can the train symbolize in the story?
The train symbolizes transition, journey, and movement, representing Maria's passage from childhood to adulthood and her struggle to leave home.
What does Maria's response to her father's bet reveal about her character?
It reveals her determination, independence, and desire to prove herself OR her vulnerability and fear of disappointing him
How does "Suburbia" challenge common coming-of-age narratives in literature? How did the story develop its theme?
Through the metaphor of the tiny house and small family. The story used characterization to develop its theme.
What city in New Jersey is famous for its boardwalks and casinos'?
Atlantic City
How does the geographical contrast between the suburbs and LA mirror the emotional core of the story?
Though geographically close, they feel like completely different worlds, just as Maria feels torn between two versions of herself.