American History by Judith Ortiz Cofer
"American History" by Judith Ortiz Cofer tells the poignant story of a teenage Puerto Rican girl, known as Skinny Bones, navigating her identity and experiences in a diverse Paterson, New Jersey neighborhood, predominantly occupied by Puerto Ricans and African Americans. As a loner, Skinny Bones finds connection with Eugene, a new student from Georgia who is also an outsider due to his accent. Their budding friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, highlighting the profound effects of cultural differences and social marginalization.
The narrative explores significant themes of belonging, love, and the struggles faced by immigrant families, particularly in the context of language barriers and educational inequities. A pivotal moment occurs when Skinny Bones is invited to Eugene's home for tutoring, an event complicated by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This moment serves as a backdrop for deeper personal conflicts, especially when Eugene's mother dismisses Skinny Bones based on her background.
Ultimately, the story delves into Skinny Bones' internal journey as she navigates love, identity, and the emotional complexities arising from familial and societal expectations, making it a rich exploration of the immigrant experience during a tumultuous period in American history.
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American History by Judith Ortiz Cofer
First published: 1993
Type of plot: Coming of age
Time of work: 1963
Locale: Paterson, New Jersey
Principal Characters:
Skinny Bones , the narrator and protagonist, a Puerto Rican teenagerEugene , an Anglo teenager known as the Hick because of his Georgia accentSkinny Bones's mother , a housewifeEugene's mother , a nurse
The Story
Skinny Bones is a teenage Puerto Rican girl struggling to adapt to life in a multifamily apartment building in Paterson, New Jersey. She lives in a former Jewish neighborhood that is now inhabited mostly by Puerto Ricans and African Americans. As a loner, Skinny Bones is attracted to marginalized individuals like herself. She finds her soulmate in Eugene, a shy teenager who has recently come from south Georgia. Because of his marked southern accent he is soon dubbed "the Hick," and he becomes the school's newest object of ridicule, joining Skinny Bones as an outcast. Skinny Bones falls in love with Eugene, and they soon become inseparable, despite their cultural differences. Eugene, a bright student, tutors Skinny Bones in several subjects. Although Skinny Bones is a good student, she is not admitted to advanced courses because English is not her first language.
The story's climax occurs when Skinny Bones accepts Eugene's invitation to a tutorial session at his home, immediately across from her own apartment building. She accepts gladly because she has been wanting to meet Eugene's family. After having watched his kitchen from her own apartment, Skinny Bones is particularly interested in Eugene's mother, "a red-headed tall woman." Their study date, however, is almost interrupted by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Skinny Bones must convince her grieving mother to allow her to go to Eugene's house instead of going to church to pray for the slain president.
At Eugene's house, Skinny Bones encounters another unexpected problem. When Eugene's mother answers her knock at the door, she regards Skinny Bones as one of those "people" who live across the street and immediately dismisses her. The mother also forbids her from studying with Eugene because he is smart and does not need any help.
Frustrated in what appears to be her first adolescent love, Skinny Bones returns home and tries to "feel the right thing for our dead president." Eventually she cries, but realizes that the tears coming up from a deep source inside are strictly for her.
Bibliography
Bruce-Novoa, Juan. "Judith Ortiz Cofer's Rituals of Movement." The Americas Review 19 (Winter, 1991): 88-99.
Davis, Rocio G. "Metanarrative in Ethnic Autobiography for Children: Laurence Yep's The Garden and Judith Ortiz Cofer's Silent Dancing." MELUS 27 (Summer, 2002): 139-158.
Faymonville, Carmen. "New Transnational Identities in Judith Ortiz Cofer's Autobiographical Fiction." MELUS 26 (Summer, 2001): 129-160.
Kallet, Marilyn. "The Art of Not Forgetting: An Interview with Judith Ortiz Cofer." Prairie Schooner 68 (Winter, 1994): 68-76.
Ocasio, Rafael. "The Infinite Variety of Puerto Rican Reality: An Interview with Judith Ortiz Cofer." Callaloo 17 (Summer, 1994): 730-743.
Ocasio, Rafael. "Puerto Rican Literature in Georgia? An Interview with Judith Ortiz Cofer." Kenyon Review 14 (Fall, 1992): 56-61.
Wilhelmus, Tom. "Various Pairs." Hudson Review 43 (Spring, 1990): 151-152.