Hannah Swenson
Mrs. Brown
Advanced 11th Grade Lit
15 Dec 2016
Gary Soto
Gary Soto is a Mexican American writer and poet born in Fresno, California whose literary works reflect the struggles and imperfections of the Chicano people. “His poems depict the violence of urban life, the exhausting labor of rural life, and the futility of trying to recapture the innocence of childhood.” says Tracey L. Matthews. Soto creates fictional Hispanic characters who often face the problems and difficulties that mirrors his younger life growing up in a broken home, facing tight financial situations and being a minority living in the barrio in America in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. “A lot of my work seems autobiographical, because I write a lot about growing …show more content…
The two girls enjoy old classic American songs on a Chicano-run radio station, and after the parents arrive home early, the family revels in the nostalgic music together. The two girls featured in the story are from South Fresno, as is Soto. “Without thinking, Patricia said, “La Flaca y mi carnala La Pumpkin del barrio de South Fresno.” (Soto 42). Not only does Soto intertwine english and spanish to authenticate the short story, he adds a personal touch in the setting by creating the setting in San Francisco. To add to this, Patricia, the main character, claims she attends Roosevelt High. “Roosevelt High,” Patricia lied. She didn’t want El Tigre to know that he was rapping with a junior-high kid.” (Soto 42). Soto also broadens the cultural relativity to the story by making an allusion to the Aztec people. Radio Host makes allusion to old Mayan homeland. “El Tigre was whispering in his “Slow-Low,” low-riding voice, “I’m coming at you at 9:39, and I hope you’re kicking back in the heart of Aztlan.” (Soto 45). Aztlan is considered to be the former mecca of the Aztec people, located in a large area throughout the southwest, which gives the reader a better understanding of the inspiration and culture Gary Soto used to create his stories. The fictional character Patricia and her friend listen to classic American hit songs. These, “Oldies but goodies” intermingle with their original hispanic culture. “Patricia remembered that the “Slow-Low Show” of oldies but goodies was on the air.” (Soto 36). Gary Soto creates an original combination of Chicano and American culture and interests in this
Mrs. Brown
Advanced 11th Grade Lit
15 Dec 2016
Gary Soto
Gary Soto is a Mexican American writer and poet born in Fresno, California whose literary works reflect the struggles and imperfections of the Chicano people. “His poems depict the violence of urban life, the exhausting labor of rural life, and the futility of trying to recapture the innocence of childhood.” says Tracey L. Matthews. Soto creates fictional Hispanic characters who often face the problems and difficulties that mirrors his younger life growing up in a broken home, facing tight financial situations and being a minority living in the barrio in America in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. “A lot of my work seems autobiographical, because I write a lot about growing …show more content…
The two girls enjoy old classic American songs on a Chicano-run radio station, and after the parents arrive home early, the family revels in the nostalgic music together. The two girls featured in the story are from South Fresno, as is Soto. “Without thinking, Patricia said, “La Flaca y mi carnala La Pumpkin del barrio de South Fresno.” (Soto 42). Not only does Soto intertwine english and spanish to authenticate the short story, he adds a personal touch in the setting by creating the setting in San Francisco. To add to this, Patricia, the main character, claims she attends Roosevelt High. “Roosevelt High,” Patricia lied. She didn’t want El Tigre to know that he was rapping with a junior-high kid.” (Soto 42). Soto also broadens the cultural relativity to the story by making an allusion to the Aztec people. Radio Host makes allusion to old Mayan homeland. “El Tigre was whispering in his “Slow-Low,” low-riding voice, “I’m coming at you at 9:39, and I hope you’re kicking back in the heart of Aztlan.” (Soto 45). Aztlan is considered to be the former mecca of the Aztec people, located in a large area throughout the southwest, which gives the reader a better understanding of the inspiration and culture Gary Soto used to create his stories. The fictional character Patricia and her friend listen to classic American hit songs. These, “Oldies but goodies” intermingle with their original hispanic culture. “Patricia remembered that the “Slow-Low Show” of oldies but goodies was on the air.” (Soto 36). Gary Soto creates an original combination of Chicano and American culture and interests in this