“Names, Nombres”by Julia Alvarez

Vocabulary and Story MapPower Point

(adv) – in a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended

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Ironically, although she had the most foreign-sounding name, she and I were the Americans in the family. pg. 39

Ironically

(n) – a racial, national, or cultural heritage

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Our first few years in the States, though, ethnicity was not yet “in”. pg. 40

ethnicity

(v) – to make known the presence or arrival of

Those were the blond, blue-eyed, bobby-sock years of junior high and high school before the 60’s ushered in peasant blouses hoop earrings, sarapes. pg. 40

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Usher

(adj) - first

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My initial desire to be known by my correct Dominican name faded. pg. 32

Initial

(v) – to blend togetherI just wanted to be Judy and merge with the Sallys and Janes in my class. pg. 40 - 41

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Merge

(adv) – impossible to avoid or prevent

But, inevitably, my accent and coloring gave me away. pg. 41

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Inevitably

(v) – to make known or identify“From the Caribbean,” I answered vaguely, for if I specified, no one was quite sure what continent our island was located on. pg. 41

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Specify

(adj) – unusual or differentThey were just being curious, I knew, but I burned with shame whenever they singled me out as a “foreigner,” a rare, exotic friend. pg. 41

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Exotic

(adj) – confused, disorderedI pronounced it slowly, a name as chaotic with sounds as a Middle Eastern bazaar or market day in a South American village. pg. 41

Chaotic

(adj) – difficult to understand; complicated

These relatives had such complicated names and there were so many of them, and their relationship to myself were so convoluted. pg. 41

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Convoluted

About the Author

• Julia Alvarez– Born in 1950 in New York City– Moved to the Dominican Republic and lived there for 10 years– At age 10, she moved back to New York City– She writes stories and poems– Her writings are about her experiences and memories

http://www.eht.k12.nj.us

Literary Terms to Know

Plot – sequence of related events that make up a story

Exposition

Resolution

Falling Action

Climax

Rising Action

Literary Terms to Know

• Characters – person, animal, or creature that takes part in the literary work.– Protagonist – main character– Antagonist – character that causes problems for

protagonist

Personal Essay – a short form of nonfiction that expresses the author’s feelings and thoughts about one

subject

Author’s purpose – why did the author write this?

• To express an opinion • To persuade• To inform or to explain• To entertain