Discussion Topic
Elena's character development and traits in "American History" by Judith Ortiz Cofer
Summary:
In "American History" by Judith Ortiz Cofer, Elena is portrayed as a sensitive and intelligent teenager who feels isolated due to her Puerto Rican heritage and her physical appearance. Her character development is marked by her growing awareness of racial and social boundaries, especially after her encounter with Eugene's mother, which results in a painful but significant moment of self-realization.
How does Elena in "American History" by Judith Ortiz Cofer show dynamic character traits?
A dynamic character is one who learns a life lesson or dramatically changes his or her mind or personality throughout the story. Elena, in Cofer's "American History," learns a dramatic lesson by the end of her story. At first she is teased and hates school, but she finds joy watching an elderly couple in the house next to her apartment building. She dreams about one day reading her books at a kitchen table like they do. Then, when she befriends the new boy who moves into the house after the man dies and the old woman moves away, she hopes to read at the kitchen table with Eugene.
Unfortunately, Elena doesn't know that she is about to experience a devastating blow when she knocks on Eugene's door for their study date. Elena learns that prejudice and discrimination come from all different walks of life, and can pop up unexpectedly, too....
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When Eugene's mother turns her away, this dramatic yet subtle rejection teaches Elena that not everything will turn out the way she plans. She also learns that dreams might not always come true in the way or the time frame she wants. Elena's dynamic change is understood when she says the following:
"That night, I lay in my bed trying to feel the right thing for our dead president. But the tears that came up from a deep source inside me were strictly for me. . . . Sometime during the night, I saw from my bed the street light come on. . . . Looking up at the light, I could see the white snow falling like a lace veil over its face. I did not look down to see it turning gray as it touched the ground below."
By not looking down, Elena stops herself from looking at Eugene's house—the house that has given her so much peace in the past. She denies herself the temptation to dream. This is proof that Elena has learned her lesson. She understands that dreaming of a life in another house isn't fulfilling or satisfying, and it only leads to remorse.
What does Elena's interest in others suggest about her character in American History?
Elena comes across as a very curious young lady. She's always keen to find out more about the world around her. An intelligent child with a love of books, she sees the world as a much bigger place than those around her do. Elena lives in an apartment block—colloquially known as "El Building"—which is exclusively inhabited by Puerto Rican families. Like most immigrants, Puerto Rican people in this neck of the woods stick together to make themselves feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
But Elena's somewhat different. For one thing, she's interested in the history of the neighborhood in which she lives. It used to be a Jewish neighborhood, and until recently a Jewish couple lived in the house next door. Elena used to watch them through the kitchen window, as she does at Eugene's family, who now lives there.
Elena is very curious about Eugene's family and is keen to find out more about them. Eugene is the new boy in her class at school, and she quickly develops a major crush on him. Elena finds Eugene deeply attractive, with his good looks and cute Southern accent.
Sadly, Elena's curiosity about other people and their lives ends unhappily for her. When she goes round to Eugene's house for a study session, Eugene's mom answers the door and makes it abundantly clear that Elena's not welcome.