Journalists and other nonfiction writers provide accounts of real-life events that occur in various cultures. In the news article, “Quinceanera Birthday Bash Preserves Tradition, Marks Passage to Womanhood,” author Natalie St. John shares a descriptive account of a quinceanera, showing its importance in the Mexican culture and community. St. John emphasizes the main character Vanessa Negrete’s rite of passage and its cultural importance by using the organizational structures of sequence and description, and by using direct quotations from members involved. The author’s use of the organizational structure of sequencing makes the text easier to follow, which helps the reader understand the main idea the author is highlighting about quinceaneras.
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John use direct quotes from people they interview to get their opinions so that readers do not misinterpret what they are trying to say. To illustrate, St. John incorporates quotations from multiple people in the Mexican community who are involved in a quinceanera, such as Vanessa, her parents, and Jerry Woodman (a local priest). The quotations show the reader how the quinceanera is significant to people involved. Vanessa explains,”For most Hispanic people, 15 is the age when you can start dating...This was important in a way, because before I was 15, I would talk to boys, but I would know that if I started dating, it would be behind my parents’ back. It would most likely disappoint them...it’s an opportunity to date without hiding it from my parents.” This shows that for Vanessa, the quinceanera gives her more freedom to start new relationships. Vanessa’s parents say that the quinceanera celebrates “her second age,” because they had explained what they “wanted her to do,” but now she has the freedom to do what she wants to do. Woodman says, “I do a lot of praying silently for their well-being.” This shows that for him, the quinceanera is for him to make sure that Vanessa will be safe. St John’s purposeful use of quotes allows the reader to hear actual perspectives of people involved in the quinceanera. In print, we are able to hear people’s voices and the multiple ways a quinceanera is perceived and
John use direct quotes from people they interview to get their opinions so that readers do not misinterpret what they are trying to say. To illustrate, St. John incorporates quotations from multiple people in the Mexican community who are involved in a quinceanera, such as Vanessa, her parents, and Jerry Woodman (a local priest). The quotations show the reader how the quinceanera is significant to people involved. Vanessa explains,”For most Hispanic people, 15 is the age when you can start dating...This was important in a way, because before I was 15, I would talk to boys, but I would know that if I started dating, it would be behind my parents’ back. It would most likely disappoint them...it’s an opportunity to date without hiding it from my parents.” This shows that for Vanessa, the quinceanera gives her more freedom to start new relationships. Vanessa’s parents say that the quinceanera celebrates “her second age,” because they had explained what they “wanted her to do,” but now she has the freedom to do what she wants to do. Woodman says, “I do a lot of praying silently for their well-being.” This shows that for him, the quinceanera is for him to make sure that Vanessa will be safe. St John’s purposeful use of quotes allows the reader to hear actual perspectives of people involved in the quinceanera. In print, we are able to hear people’s voices and the multiple ways a quinceanera is perceived and