Background of the author
Who is the author of the story?
Velma Polard
Who are the main characters in the story?
June, Aunt Leticia (Aunt Teach), Georgia
Give 2 themes highlighted in the story
Identity, migration, sadness, depression
Name 3 narrative techniques found in the story
Imagery, simile, metaphor, first person narrator, symbolism
Where and when was the author born?
Jamaica in 1937
By the end of the story, which characters live in the states, and which characters want to remain in the states?
live - June, Aunt Leticia, Georgia
remain - Aunt Leticia and Georgia
Give examples from the story of any 2 techniques identified.
Explain
What was a major theme/feature in the author's works?
Nostalgia for the countryside has proved to be a major feature of Pollard’s work.
Describe the character June by giving:
- Her physical characteristics
- 2 Personality traits (using evidence from the story)
physical - tall, shaved hair
personality - simplistic/humble, loyal/patriotic, proud/confident
What is juxtaposition?
Give one example of this device found in the story
the contrast between how June saw Georgia in Jamaica and in the Bronx.
explain
Has this author won any prizes for creative writing?
If yes, what was it?
Her novella (novel) Karl won the Casa de las Americas prize in 1992.
How does June describe her Aunt Leticia and Cousin?
Give their physical appearance, and 1 character trait for each (using evidence from the story)
Aunt Leticia - powdered pink make-up, drawn-on black eyebrows, blonde wig/ judgemental, materialistic
Georgia - an "It", blonde wig, bewigged, giggling puppet with too much make-up/ easily influenced,
Explain how the development of 2 characters contribute to the theme of migration OR identity.
June, Aunt Leticia, Georgia
explain
Explain where there is an example of symbolism in the story that highlights a theme
example: The wigs and make-up worn by Aunt Leticia and Georgia are symbolic to hiding/creating an identity for themselves.
explain