Question

question 3 of 20
read this excerpt from \gravity\ by judith ortiz cofer:
as always on new years eve, my father asked me to dance the last dance of the year with him, and at midnight he held my mother as she wept in his arms for her isla and her familia so far away. this time i did not just feel my usual little pang of jealousy for being left out of their perceptions.
which statement best describes the intended aesthetic impact of this excerpt?
a. by having elenita refer to a new years custom, the author reinforces the theme of honoring ones cultural traditions.
b. by having elenita say that she no longer envied being left on the sidelines, the author conveys her maturity, leaving the reader hopeful.
c. by describing elenitas jealousy, the author reveals the truth of the conflict between her and her mother.
d. by having elenitas father dance with her mother, the author highlights the connection between the couple, leaving the reader happy.

Explanation:

The key is to analyze the text. The narrator says "This time I did not just feel my usual little pang of jealousy for being left out of their perceptions." This shows a change from previous feelings (jealousy) to a more mature state (no longer just jealous). Option B correctly captures this - the author shows Elenita's maturity (no longer just jealous) and leaves the reader hopeful (as maturity is a positive development).

Answer:

B. By having Elenita say that she no longer envied being left on the sidelines, the author conveys her maturity, leaving the reader hopeful.