1.22 Working Toward the Dream
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Mead High School *
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AB
Subject
English
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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4
Uploaded by ChancellorMongoose1036
“Who Burns for the Perfection of Paper?”
1. What can you infer about the speaker based on the details in lines 1–21?
Based on the details in lines 1-21, we can infer that the speaker is a sixteen year old
working long hours after school. We can also infer that the speaker had a physically
demanding job that required manual dexterity and attention to detail. They
experienced discomfort and pain due to the cuts on their hands and the burning
sensation caused by the glue. Most importantly, the speaker did not wear gloves
while working because they were required to use their fingertips to ensure the
perfection of the paper by smoothing it into an exact rectangle.
2. How do the words in lines 14–15 affect the tone of the poem?
The words in lines 14-15 affect the tone of the poem by contributing to a tone of
hardship, physical labor, and the sacrifices made by the speaker at work. It helps to
evoke a sense of empathy and understanding for the speaker's experiences in their
job. For example, the word “sluggish” suggests fatigue and weariness, indicating
that the speaker's hands are tired from the demanding work at the printing plant.
The phrase “slide along suddenly sharp paper” creates an image of the hands
unintentionally moving across the sharp edges of the paper, resulting in small cuts
or slits. This imagery emphasizes the physical toll of the job and the potential
danger involved.
3. How does the poet’s choice to chronologically depict the events of the day
affect the meaning of the poem?
The chronological depiction of events in the poem helps to convey the progression of
time, the physical toll of the job, and the connection between the speaker's past
experiences and their current path in life. Later in the poem for instance, the
speaker reflects on their time in law school and how they now understand that every
legal pad and open lawbook represents the hidden cuts and burning hands from
their past job. This reflection highlights the lasting impact of the physical labor and
connects it to the speaker's current pursuit of knowledge in law.
“Roberto Acuna Talks About Farm Workers”
4. According to Acuna, how should employers show respect for human farm
work and workers?
According to Acuna, offering a reasonable wage, decent benefits, a comfortable
working environment, and hearing the request of workers are ways to show respect
for human farms and workers. It is also important to consider their opinion on how
to implement and execute a work-related request.
5. In paragraph 3, how does Acuna use parallelism? What effect does this
parallelism have?
In paragraph 3, Acuna uses parallelism by presenting a series of contrasting
statements that follow a similar structure. This parallel structure emphasizes the
disparities between the treatment of farm workers and the resources allocated to
other entities, such as crops, animals, and growers. The effect that this parallelism
has is it shows that even crops, animals, and growers get treated better than farm
workers. Through parallelism, Acuna effectively communicates the unfair treatment
and unequal conditions experienced by farm workers in a concise and powerful
manner.
6. What is Studs Terkel’s purpose for publishing the words of Acuna?
Studs Terkel’s purpose for publishing the words of Acuna is to spread the message
that not every migrant is living a happy life. Terkel’s purpose is also to make others
aware of the issues migrant workers face in the fields and that people should admire
how these fresh fruits and vegetables got on their tables.
Check Your Understanding
In a few sentences, explain how the jobs described in “Who Burns for the Perfection
of Paper?” and “Roberto Acuna Talks About Farm Workers” relate to the
American Dream.
The jobs described in both texts relate to the American Dream through Notions of
economic success and mobility. To further illustrate my point, the jobs described in ‘Who
Burns for the Perfection of Paper?’ and ‘Roberto Acuna Talks About Farm Workers’
relate to the American Dream in different ways. In ‘Who Burns for the Perfection of
Paper?’ The narrator's job at the printing plant represents the pursuit of economic success
and stability, which are central aspects of the American Dream. In ‘Roberto Acuna Talks
About Farm Workers,’ the job of farm workers represents the struggle for better
opportunities and upward mobility, which are also key elements of the American Dream.
Writing Prompt: Argumentative
Write a short essay developing an argument on the difference between an
immigrant’s and a citizen’s sense of opportunity in the United States. Discuss the
similarities and differences in what the United States offers immigrants and
native-born Americans in terms of opportunities to achieve the American Dream
and how both groups view the future. Be sure to:
●
Plan effectively by choosing an appropriate audience and thinking about how
to write your essay with their knowledge, concerns, and biases in mind.
●
Write a thesis statement that clearly states your position.
●
Paraphrase, summarize, and use direct quotations from the texts you have
read to develop your claim fairly and thoroughly, acknowledging each
source’s strengths and limitations.
●
Acknowledge potential counterclaims fairly and provide enough reasons or
evidence to convince your audience that those counterclaims are incorrect or
that your claim is stronger.
●
Provide an effective conclusion.
The sense of opportunity in the United States differs between immigrants and
citizens, as immigrants often face challenges and barriers in achieving the American
Dream. To further illustrate my point, an immigrant's sense of opportunity can be driven
by a desire for economic mobility and upward social mobility. They may struggle with
language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination, but they often bring a strong
work ethic and resilience to overcome these challenges. Immigrants often view the future
with hope and determination, as they see the United States as a land of opportunity where
hard work can lead to success.
On the alternative hand, native-born Americans may have opportunities available
to them by default, such as access to quality education, job connections, and a network of
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support. However, there may be a sense of complacency or entitlement among some
native-born Americans, leading to a lack of motivation or effort to seize opportunities.
Additionally, native-born Americans may have a different perspective on the future, as
they may take the existing opportunities for granted and not fully appreciate the potential
for upward mobility.
All in all, while both immigrants and native-born Americans have access to
opportunities in the United States, the sense of opportunity may differ. Immigrants often
face more obstacles and challenges, but their strong motivation and determination drive
them to achieve the American Dream. Native-born Americans, while having inherent
advantages, may not fully recognize or seize the opportunities available to them.