Character and Perspective in Two Short Stories Answers

How are the consequences of the choices of Esperanza’s mother in "A Smart Cookie” and Arturo’s abuelo in "An Hour with Abuelo” similar?

Read the passages from “A Smart Cookie” by Sandra Cisneros and from “An Hour with Abuelo” by Judith Ortiz Cofer.You want to know why I quit school? Because I didn’t have any nice clothes. No clothes, but I had brains. Yup, she said disgusted, stirring again. I was a smart cookie then.Abuelo then puts the notebook down on his lap and closes his eyes. “Así es la vida [that’s the way life is] is the title of my book,” he says in a whisper, almost to himself.

Which sentence from “An Hour with Abuelo” best supports the conclusion that Arturo’s perspective on life contrasts with his abuelo’s?

Whose perspective is most important to analyzing “An Hour with Abuelo”?

After reading “A Smart Cookie,” what is the most likely reason a reader might conclude that Esperanza will listen to her mother and study hard?

When an author reveals what a character says, that is an example of

Which sentence from “A Smart Cookie” provides evidence that supports the conclusion that Esperanza thinks highly of her mother?

Read this passage from "An Hour with Abuelo” by Judith Ortiz Cofer.Then with her pushing the wheelchair – maybe a little too fast – they roll down the hall. He is already reading from his notebook, and she’s making bird noises. I look at my watch and the hour is up, to the minute. I can’t help but think that my abuelo has been timing me. It cracks me up. I walk slowly down the hall toward the exit sign. I want my mother to have to wait a little. I don’t want her to think that I’m in a hurry or anything.

Which is an example of direct characterization?

Read the passage from “An Hour with Abuelo” by Judith Ortiz Cofer.In those days you could teach in a country school with a high school diploma. So I went back to my mountain village and got a job teaching all grades in a little classroom built by the parents of my students. I had books sent to me by the government. I felt like a rich man although the pay was very small.