When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (2020)

Lesson 19
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 9

7th Grade

Lesson 19 of 29

Objective


Explain how the author uses tiny pressure-filled moments to build tension between Negi and Don Luis.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir by Esmeralda Santiago  pp. 172 – 182

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Based on pages 177-179, how does the author develop tension in the plot between Negi and Don Luis? 

Make sure to support your answer with at least two details from the text. Make sure to underline these tiny pressure filled moments that the author uses to build tension between Don Luis and Negi in the plot: 

  • “He often commented on the color of a blouse or the cut of a skirt, and once he suggested that next time I wear the same sleeveless scoop-neck dress.” (p. 177) 
  • “I nudged him, respectfully…he returned his arm to his body…” (p. 178) 
  • “He stood up, walked behind me, bent over, and gently pushed my arms close to my ribcage, held them there. (p. 178)

Key Questions


  • p. 178 - What are Don Luis' intentions? What does this reveal about Negi's naivete?
  • p. 179 - Why is Esmeralda casi senorita?
  • p. 181 - What does Negi literally mean when she says, "By the time I got home, I had wrapped myself in the blanket of responsibility she was about to drop on me" on page 181?

Common Core Standards


  • RI.7.3 — Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).

Next

Analyze and identify the meaning of an unknown word.

Explain the limitations of the first person point of view.

Lesson 20
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free