"American History" Retake

In "American History," why do the little house and its resident have such a fascination for Elena even before Eugene moves to the neighborhood?

• She believes that one day her family will move into a house just like

• She feels that she has become part of the life she witnesses unfolding in the house

• She is a curious person who likes knowing about all the various people on her block

• She worries about the elderly people who live there and wants to help them

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In "American History," why is Elena so happy on the day of President Kennedy's death?

• She receives an A on an exam

• Her family buys a house in Clifton

• Eugene tells her that he likes her a lot

• She is going to study at Eugene's house

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What happens when Elena goes to Eugene's house?

• Eugene's mother turns her away, telling her that she will not be allowed to study with Eugene

• Eugene welcomes her warmly, but his mother is less welcoming

• Eugene is so upset about President Kennedy's death that he cannot come to the door

• Eugene's mother is shocked that Elena would visit on the day of President Kennedy's death

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Elena's mother and Eugene's mother have a similar concern about their children. From the details in the story, choose the statement that best describes the viewpoint they share:

• Both mothers worry about their children's continual failing grades in their classes

• Both mothers wish their children to avoid mixing with members of another ethnic group

• Both mothers want their children to study hard, graduate on time, and go to college

• Both mothers are eager to protect their children from the influence of troublemakers

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The 1960s, when "American History" is set, was a time of great social change and reform. Which of the following issues of the time is MOST relevant to Elena's experience in the story?

• discrimination against African Americans

• American involvement in wars overseas

• strong ethnic divisions in urban areas

• the struggle for equal rights for women

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Which is the most accurate description of Elena's status at school?

• She is very popular

• She is the teacher's pet

• She is something of an outsider

• She is one of the school's top students

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What can you infer about Elena's parents from the details she provides in the story?

• They have inherited money from their parents and are quite wealthy

• They have found it impossible to adjust to life in the US

• They spend very little time looking after Elena or taking care of her

• They work hard and make sacrifices in the hope of a better future

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Toward the end of the story, Eugene's mother tells Elena "I am truly sorry if he told you you could come over. He cannot study with you. It's nothing personal. You understand?" What is it that Eugene's mother most likely wants Elena to understand?

• Eugene's family will be moving soon, so studying together is unneccessary

• Eugene's mother does not Eugene to socialize with someone of Elena's background

• Eugene's feelings will be hurt if it turns out that Elena is smarter than Eugene

• Eugene's mother does not want Eugene exposed to the bad influence in El Building

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Which of the following sentences from the story best communicates one of Elena's internal conflicts?

• I was also taking a lot of abuse from the black girls for not turning the rope hard and fast enough for them

• I liked him right away because he sat at the kitchen table and read books for hours

• ... I decided to approach him directly, though my stomach was doing somersaults

• I would soon sit there, across from Eugene, and I would tell him about my perch just above his house

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Which statement best describes the external conflict between Elena and her mother?

• Elena wants to return to Puerto Rico; her mother wants the family to stay in New Jersey

• Elena wants to play games and jump rope; her mother wants her to help with the housework

• Elena wants to act according to her emotions; her mother wants her to be prudent and careful

• Elena wants to study and become a teacher; her mother wants her to marry and raise a family

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