Directions: Answer any 3 of the questions between 1 and 8. You must answer #9 and #10 (so
do 5 questions in total).
PICK ANY 3 OF THE FOLLOWING TO ANSWER:
1. Who are the characters? What type of people are they (characterization)? How can you
tell?
- The characters are the mother and the daughter. The daughter seems a little passive, she
doesn’t talk back to much of what her mother says. The mother seems controlling, she
wants her daughter to be a perfect “lady” and will make sure she does become that.
“this is how to hem a dress when you see the hem coming down and so to prevent yourself
from looking like the sl*t I know you are so bent on becoming,” Even when the mother used a
slur against her daughter, she didn’t even open her mouth.
2. What is the importance of food in this story?
- Food seems to be a chore. The mother gives her daughter chores such as “this is how you make
doukona.”
3. Why are two sentences in italics?
- 2 sentences are in Italics to represent the daughter speaking.
ANSWER BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING:
9. How many sentences make up this story (syntax)? What is the effect of that
number?What mood does it create?
- There are 1 to 2 sentences that make up this story. It makes the story seem very
short and almost like a run-on. The mood is very calm, it seems as if there is no
emotion in the writing, as if the author was holding back on her emotion while at
the same time forcing it out into the mothers harsh words.
10. What is the theme of this story? What do you think the author is saying about
traditionand gender (theme and tone)?
-
The theme of the story seemed to be how a lady must act. The author seems to be very
resentful about the tradition and the stereotypes that comes with it. Throughout the
story she seemed very rushed, as if she was trying to fit all the problems in one sentence.
Syntax: Syntax is a set of rules in a language. It dictates how words from different parts of speech are put
together in order to convey a complete thought.
Syntax and Diction
Syntax and diction are closely related. Diction refers to the choice of words in a particular situation while
syntax
determines
how
words are
used to
In depicted
combination,
syntax
Point of
View: Point
of the
viewchosen
is the manner
in which
a form
story aissentence.
narrated or
and who
it isand
thatdiction
tells
help
writers
develop
tone,
mood
and
atmosphere
in
a
text
along
with
evoking
interest
of
the
readers.
the story. Simply put, the point of view determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and
thus influences the tone in which the story takes place.
— first person POV - from a character’s view; uses “I” and “me”
— second person POV - speaking directly to reader; uses “you”; least common
— third person POV - from a narrator; can be limited to one character’s perspective or omniscient in
which the narrator knows all.