When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (2020)

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 9

7th Grade

Lesson 13 of 29

Objective


Analyze how the imagery contributes to the mood.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir by Esmeralda Santiago  pp. 107 – 117

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Read the excerpt below and then answer the questions that follow:

“The room was shadowy, lit with quinques and fat candles, steamy with the fragrance of garlic and onions.” (p. 108)

What kind of sensory imagery does this quote above capture? Choose all that apply.

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

How does Santiago’s imagery contribute to the mood?

Answer in at least 5 complete sentences using details from the text.

Key Questions


  • Word in Context: What does the word "buttressed" most likely mean on page 108?

"These structures had been reinforced with plywood, and debarked tree limbs buttressed every wall."

  • For each example below, answer these two questions:
    • What kind of sensory imagery is used?
    • How does it affect the mood?

"...we heard the muffled and frightened moo of the cow, the frantic squealing of pigs, and the rustle and cackle of hens and roosters" (p. 108). (sound)

"...All we heard was static..." (sound)

It was raining lightly, gray misty drops like steam..." (p. 109) (sight)

"A sliver of sun broke through like a spotlight and travelled slowly across the yard, forming a giant rainbow" (p. 110). (sight)

"The warmth of the thirty or so people inside..." (p. 108) (touch/feel)

Notes


  • You may want to include a mini lesson on imagery in today's lesson
    • Imagery vs Sensory Imagery
    • Sensory imagery is an author's use of vivid and descriptive language to add depth to her work. It appeals to human senses to deepen the reader's understanding of the work.
    • Imagery engages at least one of the five senses.

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

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Analyze how a section of text contributes to Negi's shifting role in her family.

Lesson 14
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