When I Was Puerto Rican Analysis

Words: 900
Pages: 4

1. Copy a short passage that you found to be interesting and explain why you found it interesting/why it is an example of good writing. “Don Berto was in the middle of the living room, dressed in a clean white shirt buttoned all the way up. His eyes were closed, and his hands, which I'd never seen without his machete, were clasped on his chest with a rosary wrapped around them so that the large cross covered his fingers.” (Santiago, Esmeralda.When I Was Puerto Rican:A Memoir. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo, 2006. Print, 50 - 51) In this passage, it describes the funeral of Don Berto. He had brought an abundance of joy to the main character, Negi. Meanwhile, the sudden of his death made Negi astonished, and apologetic. It is an example of good writing since symbolism is included. The reader never know the religion Don Berto believes until the word “rosary”, and “cross” is used, which indicates he is a Christian. Also, the describes are on the details, the reader can totally imagine the situation, and feel sorry about.
3. Describe new insights or understandings you have after reading the book.
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Sometimes things always seem impossible unless you try, and you never know how amazing you are if you don't step out of your comfort zone. When Negi first came to New York, she not a good English speaker, and often afraid if she would mispronounce the word or using the incorrect tense in writing. (Ibid, 249) Meanwhile, she hated New York too, Chico's indecent behavior made she even felt the city was full of sin and she lived near to it. (Ibid, 248) Unfortunately, she had no choice, and couldn't leave; all she did was accepted and fit in for the education. To be educated is the only way for her to escape from the life that she didn't want. Of course, at last, we know the ending; she is succeeded, and graduated from Harvard, which shows the importance of persistence and