American History by Judith Ortiz Cofer

1. American Historyby Judith Ortiz Cofer Feature Menu Introducing the Story Literary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach Reading Skills: Summarizing

2. American Historyby Judith Ortiz Cofer

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

4. American HistoryIntroducing 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]

5. American HistoryLiterary 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.

6. American HistoryLiterary Focus: Biographical and Historical Approach 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.

7. American HistoryLiterary 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.

8. American HistoryLiterary 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]

9. American HistoryReading 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

10. American HistoryReading 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]