1. Theme for English B
1.1. Theme
1.1.1. Finding out their true identity and realizing that he is the only black person in the classroom and helped him shape is identity
1.2. Characterization
1.2.1. The main character is characterized as
1.3. Conflicts
1.3.1. Only black person in the classroom.
1.3.1.1. Something that he can not change and has no control over it
1.3.2. Thinks he is less free than the instructor, says " you're older--- and white---and somewhat more free" (Hughes 39-40)
1.4. Motifs/symbols
1.4.1. The contrast between black and white is a motif that contributes to the theme of finding his identity as a black man.
1.5. Use of Language
1.5.1. Talks about his internal conflict a lot
1.5.2. The author talks in first person
1.5.3. Has hyphens as a dramatic pause
1.6. Text Connections
1.6.1. the world dealt with a lot of racism just like the speaker in the story, he thinks that there is more freedom with white people
1.6.1.1. This connects to myself (Joseph) because it is very relatable to be the only person in the middle class in a classroom
2. The Jacket
2.1. Theme
2.1.1. Perseverance was shown, even though he hated the jacket, after he realized that it had become part of his identity.
2.2. Characterization
2.2.1. The speaker in the theme for English b is characterized as a smart man but is conflicted with race and freedom
2.2.2. The protagonist is characterized as a crybaby when he "ran outside, ready to cry" and "went inside to drape it across [his] lap and mope"(Soto 10-11).
2.2.2.1. Similarly, he also appears to be resentful when he explains how he blames the jacket and his mother for all of his problems instead of solving them.
2.3. Conflicts
2.3.1. Protagonist is mad at his mother for the bad jacket
2.3.1.1. He complains that his sister does not have a similar ugly jacket, and that that is unfair.
2.3.2. Protagonist struggles to be accepted with his new jacket
2.3.2.1. As a result, he is left out and alienated in class
2.4. Motifs/symbols
2.4.1. The jacket is a symbol for a part of the protagonist's identity that he will never change. The significance comes when he accepts it and moves on.
2.5. Use of Language
2.5.1. Author uses imagery to describe the jacket
2.5.1.1. He describes it as "the color of day old guacamole" and as having "mustard color lining"(Soto 2). These are unfavorable and ugly colors.
2.6. Text Connections
2.6.1. The discrimination the main character experiences not because of his race, but because of his apparel is something that is very real in today's culture. A high school student like me has to care a lot about their appearance to be accepted by their peers.