Okay students --
Here is your first blog assignment.
1. Reread "Four Skinny Trees" from Sandra Cisneros' novel The House on Mango Street. Identify the elements of prose poetry, or poetry that appears like a paragraph but reads like poetry due to the poetic devices used. You should look for personification, symbolism, rhyme (end rythm and internal rhyme), rhythm, repetition and alliteration.
2. Write your analysis in paragraph form.
3. Then, write your own prose poetry. Just as Esperanza chose four familiar trees in her front yard and delevoped their symbolism within the poem, you will also choose familiar objects around your home that have a symbolic relevence. Use the same poetic devices found in "Four Skinny Trees."
4. You will submit your analysis paragraph and your poem as a comment to this blog. VERY IMPORTANT: This is an academic forum. Correct grammar conventions, including proper capitalization, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure, are REQUIRED. Proofread before submitting.
5. Make sure your first and last name are included in your comment.
Maeve Touhey
ReplyDeleteBlock 8
1.The whole vignette is poetry that appears like a paragraph. Personification is shown when Esperanza says, "let one forget his reason for being, they'd all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other." Symbolism is shown when she says, "from our room we can hear them, but Nenny just sleeps and doesn't appreciate these things." Repitition is shown when Esperanza keeps saying that the trees "keep".
2. My bracelet I wear everyday is very symbolic to me. On my leather bracelet it reads "Kismet", who is my old deceased horse who died about 4 months ago. It speaks to me, and it says that I should keep going strong even when I lose something I think I can't live without. Even though it says that I miss Kismet with all my heart, he did not deserve to die. How can something so special be taken away from Earth? Then again it seems like an ordinary bracelet, but it truly speaks in its own way.
1. The trees in Four Skinny Trees represent Esperanza because they have been placed on Mango Street where they don't belong. They are skinny, but strong with their roots long into the ground, just like Esperanza. These trees help Esperanza gain strength when she looks at them. Just like the trees don't have room to grow but they still push through and do grow, Esperanza is strong enough to grow where she is, even though she does not belong in her surroundings. Personification is used often when Esperanza is describing the trees will to grow like in "..and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with their violent teeth.." "Four who grew despite concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be." is an example of the type of poetry presented and repetition.
ReplyDelete2. My life is like the water in the pool in my backyard. Pretty from a distance, but stuck in the same place. Free to flow within its boundaries. Free to get out occasionally with luck. Free to dream of other places it could be. Content most of the time, but bored of the same surroundings day after day. The water feels the same way I do, wanting so much more but contained where it's always been. It experiences excitement a good amount of times, but it never lasts. I am happy with where I am, but there is always a part of me that wants more out of my life.
Madison Wolbert, b.8
ReplyDeleteEsperanza describes the four skinny trees outside her window. She says the trees are the only ones who understand her and she is the only one who understands them. Like her, they have been put on Mango Steet where they don't belong. They are both reaching for something better in a place that is trying to keep them down. The trees are skinny but are strong with deep roots. When she feels week she gains strength by looking at the trees who stay strong under trials.
Plastic Fruit
The fruit lay still here on the table in a pretty ceramic bowl. There are pears, apples and oranges laying together in the bowl. They are the colors of a sunrise resting on a dewy medow. I want to take a bite into one, but these fruit are only plastic. They sit in the bowl appetizing and waiting for someone like me to take a bite into their sweet insides. These fruits long to share their goodness with me and you but cannot. Everyday the apple waits, everyday the pear wishes, and everyday the orange watches as the world goes on around the lifeless fruit family. They share their outer beauty but long to share their inner goodness. Trapped in the ceramic bowl and locked in their plastic skin for us to look at but not love.
The "Four skinny Trees," symbolize Esperanza's unique standing in society. In the beginning and end of "Four Skinny Trees", it repeats the word "Four" at the beginning of each sentence. The vignette also repeats the word keep several times in the middle of it. It also uses personification throughout the vignette, such as, "four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows,", "they grow up an grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth," and "they teach." Rhyming was also used in, "keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep," and "when there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grow despite concrete."
ReplyDeleteThe Tan Curtains
The tan curtains are my parents. The tan curtains stand there hiding you from what they don't want you to see. The tan curtains are so boring to me. The tan curtains don't move. The tan curtains never sway, swish, swoosh, like other curtains do.
I sometimes wish the curtains were a different color. Not the boring tan like every other color of our house is. May be a terrific teal, or rambunctious red, not just tan.
But sometimes the curtains crack. Crack. Crack. I can see through them. I can see the pretty sun and playful children on the other side. As much as I want it to stay cracked, I know deep in my heart they will close again. The tan curtains will close again.
Madison Hayes, Block 3
Alisha Khanna
ReplyDeleteAnalysis:
In the vignette Four Skinny Trees from the novel, House on Mango Street, Esperanza describes her relevance towards these four trees. Their roots dig deep into the soil representing her cultural Latino roots. Though they are rooted in the ground, they still grow upwards, and they never stop growing. Their growth represents Esperanza's desire to leave Mango Street and not fall into the cultural stereotype surrounding her. They are secretly strong and angry, just like Esperanza is much more independent and strong that what she is perceived to be. She looks to these trees for inspiration because while she may want to quit trying, they will always be reaching and growing. The trees teach her to persevere. Esperanza feels connected to these trees, and she fells like she understands them as if they were people.
Prose Poetry:
Mirrors
A reflection is what they give, they look at one with a truthful eye. Showing everything, whether good or bad. A mirror can be harsh, telling things that can break ones heart, not caring about one's feelings. A mirror has no care of what one wants to hear, it just tells what it see's. The most blunt insight comes from the mirror.
A mirror can also be one's best friend. Something that shows them exactly what they want to see. Their happiness reflected into the eyes of the vain. The most beautiful visions jump through the mirrors bringing joy.
What is the difference? What makes one love the mirrors and one despise them? What is this differentiating factor? Is it physical beauty which makes one feel the way they do, or is what the mirror doesn't show that makes this difference? A mirror can only show so much. A mirror cannot show thoughts, passion, or emotion. It can only show a reflection. What does a reflection say about someone? Well that is in the eyes of the beholder.
Joey DePinto
ReplyDeleteMrs. Flores
English, Block 3
Analysis: Throughout the vignette, Sandra Cisneros executes the use of several different literary elements. First, she uses a simile when she talks about how the trees have pointy elbows like her. Secondly, she uses personification when she talks about how the trees "grab the earth between their hairy toes." Finally, she rhymes in the end with the words sleep and keep. She uses all of these devices to symbolize various things.
Poem: It lies there, waiting to comfort, like a fire on a cold day. It waits for me, and I wait for it. It speaks images into my head while I rest, hoping I won't wake up due to a simple pest. My bed waits to comfort me.
In "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra uses symobls and metaphores to explain how Esperanza feels. She talks about how even though the trees are small, they still fight to grow even through the hard times, which is displayed as concrete.
ReplyDeleteThe trees can not shade the house. They bend and twist into the sunlight, but they can are very small and can not reach. The trees try to grow throgh the patio, but it is to hard. They need to reach the sun like the animals need food. The trees line up around the house, soldiers ready for battle.
Morgan Cunninghm 4th period
In the prose poem,"Four Skinny Trees", personification is shown when Cisneros writes,"Four skinny tress with skinny necks and poity elbows just like mine." Repitition is shown when the poem says,"Keep,keep,keep,trees say when I sleep.Rhyme is found in "Four who reach and do not forget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be."
ReplyDeleteMy Poem: Five Strong Fence
They always support and stick with me. I always suport and stick with them.Five strong fences with pointy heads. Five tough fences built to protect. Their weakness is not seen.One on its own may not stay sturdy, but together they can block away the bad and dirty.
Katy Song
3rd Block
Mrs.Flores
Analysis
ReplyDeleteBy Blake McIntyre
Block 4
"Our Skinny Trees" is an example of prose poetry. It shows examples of personification such as the trees "bite the sky with violent teeth". This passage also has rhyme as a poem does such as "When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew despite concrete". Also the author uses these trees as symbolism as hope for Esperanza. Also an example of alliteration is "keep, keep, keep".
My Prose Poetry
"One Little Flower"
There is a purple fluttering flower. It is surrounded by white flowers that engulf this beautiful flower. I look at it with amazment. It does not want to be like the other flowers but it wants to stick out. It goes into blossom which makes it so awsome. When I think of blending in with a crowd at school, I always think of what made the purple flower so cool.
Connor Lane, 4th Block, ANALYSIS
ReplyDeleteEsperanza does not feel like she belongs in the city; she didn’t come here on her own and she doesn’t like it. The trees are a symbol of her situation. When she is describing the trees, she is describing herself. “Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city (Cisneros, 74).“ She identifies with the trees, which not only look like her physically, but also are growing in places where they don’t belong either. Like them, she is very unhappy about being here. Esperanza gets her strength from the trees when she feels alone and depressed. The trees give her reason to keep going because they have survived in the city. They have not only survived, but continue to grow.
Poetry
The flute has many moods. I am the one who understands them. The moods can be bold, courageous, or timid. Shiny with light gleaming off, sometimes cold to the touch, it warms as to reflect a loved one. Others could play the same song, but the music would not be the same; A true expression of the inner self.
In four skinny trees esperanza compares herself to the trees outside of her house. she says that they are stuck in place just like she is tuck in the house. she says they have skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine to compare hoe they are thin and fraile like she is. she shows how they both are unapriceated. she talks about the mighty roots the tree has underneath and about how both the trees and her are small on the outside but mighty on the inside.
ReplyDeletethey light up our world without them we would be in total darkness. the lights in our houses there are so over looked they are just another thing taken for granted and not apreciated. we depend on lights and never think about not having them. ross martin.
In this paragraph Esperanza is telling the readers how she is relating inside and out with the four skinny trees. She tells us how they are excuses planted into the ground with no meaning to anyone at all. She tells about the secret strengths of the trees and how powerful they are with their roots and how they grab the earth. If one tree forgets their role as a tree, all the trees droop and die together. The trees encourage Esperanza while she sleeps and they teach her. Esperanza looks at the trees when she feels like she is too tiny compared to the world. The trees are her strengths and the only reason she keeps going in life.
ReplyDeleteMy life is a light bulb in a lamp. They show the brightness and darkness of my days. Light bulbs are covered by lamp shades wearing a dress of design and colors. The shades may change, the designs may be more complex, and more colors may be added. Although, on the outside of a lamp may change, the same light bulb is still there for a long time. After a light bulb goes through days of off and on, one very sad day the light bulb will burn out and no light is left to shine. A new light bulb is changed and it becomes a whole new lamp on the inside, but still has the same look on the outside. A lamp will walk down the runway of life always looking bright and glamorous, but on the inside the bulbs will change every now and then and no one may be able to tell you are a whole new lamp. My life is a lamp for how I go through every single day looking the same on the outside and walking as if no one can see a change in a new me. Inside of a lamp shade may be the same looking light bulb, but each light bulb has a different meaning of life shining when ever it is told to. Light bulbs will change, but no one ever sees the light bulb, so who will ever notice if they may see a new me?
By: Courtney Ensch Block: 3
In the vignette Four Skinny Tree's by Sandra Cisneros in the book House On Mango Street, she is creating a prose poem which is a poem but in paragraph form. She puts into use of these personification,symbolism, and repetition. Elements of personification would be when Esperanza says "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger." This is clearly stating that these trees are growing on a poor and gang infested street,the suprising thing is they aren't letting go they are going to keep growing up and strong dispite what comes in their way. An Example of symbolism would be the trees, and this is because like Esperanza she might want to get out of where she is living and move into a nicer spot but she has to fight for what she wants just like the trees are doing they are trying to fight to not get chopped down. Repetition is used throughout the vignette with the word "Four" such as "four who reach and do not forget to reach," I think the four is significant because because it is symbolizing maybe the four years that she has lived where she is or how long it will be until she gets out. Those are my three justification for the vignette "Four Skinny Trees.
ReplyDeleteMy Poem
One little book sits in the corner sometimes touched sometimes never. As the book sits there and starts to expand, the story of my life is unfolding right there. People read this story and they understand that for 14 years my life really is story book, filled with laughter and fun, friends and family, somethings happen with a book that you would never expect. So with my life the book in the beginning was never touched but by the end the pages torn and the book field with fairy dust on top everyone's life really is a story book.
I have identified several elements of prose poetry in the chapter, "Four Skinny Trees." There is rhyme in "keep, keep, keep trees say when I sleep." "Four" is repeated several times, and also "skinny trees and "skinny necks." Personification is used several times, such as "hairy toes" and "bite the sky", referring to the trees. The trees stand for symbols of perserverance, because they "grew despite concrete."
ReplyDeleteMy guitar sleeps in its cradle. It calls to me. I pluck a string, and it starts to sing. I create a melody. The melody flows out, floating, floating across the room. I feel relaxed.
Alex Vale
People did not really think very much of those four skinny trees. they were small and really didnt have very much to them. Those people thought the same of Esperanza. She wasnt put on the earth to do very much. Esperanza looked up to those four skinny trees. She thought she might have a chance to do more with her life than just do what she was told she must do.
ReplyDeleteMany flowers in my front lawn were planted. They were watered. They were fertilized. They were also weeded. Those flowers were given the gift to extend their roots and leaves to do what they were put there to accomplish. Those flowers were given a chance to make a difference in even just one life. Much like those flowers, I was able to live. I will grow to become the person my family and I want me to be. With some help from the people i love the most
Sophie Groff
In the novel "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros the veniette "Four Skinny Trees" many poetic devices are with in it. Symbolism is used in it to sybolise Esperanza and her siblings. Personification is used in that the trees are given human like features. The veniette is a prose poem and some alliteration is also used.
ReplyDeleteTwo cuddling Bears
Two bears as same as they are are very different. One violet as the flowers in my yard and the other as yellow as the sun. Soft and touchable do not show the pain. They hold it in not for any one to see. Both love to cuddle, but not both love the hugs. Love radiates from the cuddling bears, both very different in the way they radiate.
Katie Shackelford
Block 4
Dustin Flegle
ReplyDeleteThere were very many different literary elements in the chapter Four Skinny Trees, but only one really stood out to me. The first element that really stood out to me was personification. A good example from this chapter was when she said, "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger". The reason that I think that this is a really good example of personification is because it is very clear that the narrator is giving the trees human characteristics. That is why I think that the main literary element in this chapter is personification.
They don't move much, they don't do much either. They tower over everything else in my front yard, all the bushes and all the trees. One smiles a gentle smile at you while the other one eats. When you pull into the driveway they are the first thing to catch your eye. Their limbs reach high and wide, while their roots reach deep and hold the trees firmly in place. They've survived heavy rains and harsh winters. These are, the two trees with faces.
Allie Bridge
ReplyDeleteMrs. Flores
English 1, A-4
4 April, 2010
1. "Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep."
This whole paragraph consists of imagery and personification. The word "grow" is repeated twice in the same sentence, with two different meanings. This portrays a tree's struggle to grow, by symbolizing its' ups and downs in life to the trunk and the roots. "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth..." This sentence consist of alliteration with G's. This paragraph is a free verse poem, with an exception of a two riming words in between sentences. A beautifully written paragraph with a hidden hint of how her life is as well as the trees'.
2. Their voice is not heard. Tick, tick. Each second passing, but no excitement. Each day is centered around it, but no gratitude is shown. They never miss a beat. The clocks stay where they are placed, never complaining, even though lonely inside. It has no schedule, but is important to everyone's. This is how clocks live.
Chloe Walker
ReplyDeleteIn the vignette “Four Skinny Trees” from The House on Mango Street, they use the repetition of the word four referring to the four trees. When describing the trees they use personification, a couple of them were “They are the only ones who understand me” and “Let one forget his reason for being, they’d all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other.” They not only repeat the word four, but also repeat the same word in the same sentence as in “Four whose only reason is to be and be” and “Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep.” They use the trees to symbolize being able to grow and prosper even as being outsiders, or being able to persevere in spite of their circumstances.
I’m like a flashlight one that is dependable and helpful. I am one who would think about them this way. Maybe they are looked at as simple, but have more to them than that. Light that is used in summertime with little kids hunting toads spreading joy of wildlife. Light that is used during a spring storm when the electricity goes off, bringing warmth through the darkness of it all. Light that discovers new treasures in hidden corners. Lights have its own memory, its own stories to share, every light is different in its own way. Bringing comfort and care to any who need. For lights may be simple but complex indeed.
Maddie Mattlage
ReplyDeleteEsperanza is saying that the trees and her are just alike. She thinks the trees and her have alot in common. Not in only the way they look on the outside but what she thinks they do, and what they are lik eon the "inside". I say inside with quotations because trees arent really alive so they dont have an inside, but experanza thinks they do. When she is having a bad day, she doesnt give up just like the trees dont, they grab the earth.
"Finni" (my car)
Fast and always wanting to keep going, brave and daring. Never wants to stop. Keeps moving and never gives up until we fall aleep.
Spencer Santora Block 4
ReplyDelete1. The end of the last paragraph is where the prose poetry is located.
2.The last paragraph is prose poetry because there are many areas where words are rhymed and a rhythm is made. "Street" and "concrete" are some of the words that rhyme in the paragraph. There are also sequences in the paragraph where the trees are compared to strong objects, such as "bricks" or "concrete".
3. We have three dogs each different in there own unique way. Charity the peace and happiness of the house, Montana small like a mouse, but courageous as a tiger. Skittle is a stronghold, fit for a castle. All three keep our place safe and sound.
Sandra Cisneros compares her to the trees, saying how they understand each other. Neither the trees or she belongs where they are are, but they are strong and are supported by their roots. Her roots are who she truly is, roots are the base or her and of the trees. She uses symbolism and gives the trees a deeper look, analyzing them.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers in my room:
Deprived of water and dying of thirst these flowers have been cut off from their roots. Without explanation they were taken away from the sunlight and expected to live only on a vase full of water for my enjoyment. The first time I looked at them they made me happy and I thought they were beautiful. Now when I look at they they make me sad, I somehow feel bad for these lifeless flowers that are slowly dying. Some are stronger than other, but the strong flowers are unable to help the week ones live. The week ones are arched over the vase and their peddles fall faster and faster everyday. They look as if they are crying, they once lived in a field full of beauty and sun light, and now live in this cold vase in a room that is dark half the time. They are only a plant, but they were alive too.
Allie McKelvey. Block 1
In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees", Esperanza describes the trees to be like her. She acts as if she has bonded with the trees and they can physically talk to eachother. She uses personification to label them as skinny and pointy, just like her. The way she explains that they "break through the ground" is symbolizing her goal to break out of the shell she is living in with her family. In "Four Skinny Trees", Esperanza uses the trees as a reassuring hope in her struggle to find her way.
ReplyDeleteThe walls hold me in, and allow me to move. The floor is strong enough to hold me up and keep gravity from pulling me down. When I look in the mirror, it's as if i'm looking at someone else. The vibrations from the speakers can be felt through out the studio. Without thinking, I turn and the air lifts my body off of the ground, and places me back on the hardwood floor. Whenever i am lacking reason, I go to the studio, and dance. Emotions are cured and happniess is spread through dance.
The four skinny trees represent Esperanza's live in her neighborhood. The concrete symbolizes the barriers she has to grow to overcome. The words "four" and "keep" are repeated often. Esperanza "keeps keeping" by using her writing to free her from the struggles of her neighborhood. "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger." This sentence is full of personification showing Esperanza's anger of living on Mango Street. The author does use an internal rhyme "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep."
ReplyDeleteA clock is a useful tool throughout the day. It goes tick-tock, tick-tock, like the thoughts that constantly enter my head. The hands reaching out to capture time slipping from my fingers each day. The one face has seen what lies beneath me. The sound of tick-tock marks my thoughts. The age has no effect on how it will perform. There are so many faces, so many minds, all so different, and so many kinds. Tick- tock go my thoughts.
Nathan Riedel
Jack Dastugue
ReplyDeleteIn "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra Cisnero expresses that the trees in her yard resemble her, such as their Misunderstood lifestyles, Their misplacement on Mango Street, and how the trees are also skinny physically like Cisnero but strong mentally and emotionally. "They are the only ones who understand me. I am the only one who understands them. Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine." Cisnero is stating that she and the trees are misunderstood by the world, and that the only people ever able to truly understand them are each other. She also implys that through the trees is how she finds strength and the ability to find peace. "Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city. From our room we can hear them, but Nenny just sleeps and doesn't appreciate these things." Cisnero is out of place on mango street, put their by fate because nothing else was meant to be there but her, just like how she states the trees are. Cisnero also shows how Nenny is old enough to appreciate the care that Cisnero has put out for her younger sister, just like how Nenny isn't old enough to understand the beauty of the trees. "Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep." Cisnero implys that the trees strength is secret to the world, just how her mental and emotional tenacity and strength is secret to the world. Cisnero also creates a parallel of her life and the life of the trees to show that they both use aggression to survive the harsh environment fate has placed them in. In "Four Skinny Trees" Cisnero evokes in the reader the realization of the parallel that exists between her and the trees lives, the characteristics such as their Wrongly-understood lives, and their physically meek appearance but immensely strong emotional and mental strength.
Jack Dastugue
ReplyDeleteIn "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra Cisnero expresses that the trees in her yard resemble her, such as their Misunderstood lifestyles, Their misplacement on Mango Street, and how the trees are also skinny physically like Cisnero but strong mentally and emotionally. "They are the only ones who understand me. I am the only one who understands them. Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine." Cisnero is stating that she and the trees are misunderstood by the world, and that the only people ever able to truly understand them are each other. She also implys that through the trees is how she finds strength and the ability to find peace. "Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city. From our room we can hear them, but Nenny just sleeps and doesn't appreciate these things." Cisnero is out of place on mango street, put their by fate because nothing else was meant to be there but her, just like how she states the trees are. Cisnero also shows how Nenny is old enough to appreciate the care that Cisnero has put out for her younger sister, just like how Nenny isn't old enough to understand the beauty of the trees. "Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep." Cisnero implys that the trees strength is secret to the world, just how her mental and emotional tenacity and strength is secret to the world. Cisnero also creates a parallel of her life and the life of the trees to show that they both use aggression to survive the harsh environment fate has placed them in. In "Four Skinny Trees" Cisnero evokes in the reader the realization of the parallel that exists between her and the trees lives, the characteristics such as their Wrongly-understood lives, and their physically meek appearance but immensely strong emotional and mental strength.
Hello Mrs. Flores, my assignment is below
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: In the vignette, there is the repetition of the word four, there is definitely some personification with the trees and how they seem to be given feelings as expressed by Esperanza, and there is symbolism in that the trees serve as a roll model for Esperanza. And I found no rhyming and it sometimes is just hard for me to find rhyming words without it being simple rhymes.
Prose poetry: Parts of a Computer (my title)
They are living just from the moment you wake them up and never get tired. Parts that only weaken with use not age so much. Parts that don't care what you tell them. Parts that can't get mad at you but you can get flustered with them. Parts something no one can fear. They can't tell you how to live but can provide you with the resources necessary to find out.
Will Shepherd (A.K.A.- XWDude)
PS- Hook 'em Horns!
David Porter
ReplyDeleteA-1
Mrs. Flores
4/26/10
Carroll High school
Some examples of literary elements in this story are, Personifacation- "Four skinny trees with skinny necks and elbows like mine".(personifying the trees to be like her.) Symbolisim-"Four who reach and do not forget".(symbolizing the goals in esperanza's life that she doesnt ever forget) Rhyme- " Keep, keep, keep the trees say when i am asleep". Rythm- " four little trees". Repetition- constantly mentioning four little trees. Alliteration- "They grow up and they grow down". Enjoy the "poem" Mrs. Flores.
Three little Gnomes
Three little gnomes. Three little garden gnomes that are all faded and pale, with too many long hot summer days. Three little gnomes that set a good example on how to stay put with your ideas through and through the good and bad times.Three little gnomes. Oh, how i wish to be like those three little gnomes, for i am big and fat, my intentions and direction forever changing with the wind, Three little gnomes.The three little gnomes that squatted in the garden before we came and will continue to squat and sit there with their silent battle against nothing until it is over. Three little gnomes.
Three little gnomes that are too stubborn to stop, too prideful to give up; they just keep squatting there knowing that they will win this battle of nothing, just like i know i will battle on and on until i get straight A's. I WILL WIN!
David Porter
“These are the ones who understand me”. The author has been ignored and is unable to connect to anybody else. This line shows her independence with the use of poetry. She uses this to express herself in a deep and passionate way.
ReplyDelete“Four whose only reason is to be and be”. The author is isolated and surrounded. She lives in world that she is struggling to find her place and has no way to know where she fits in and is confused or struggling to conform in her society.-Alex Szal
four skinney trees is about how Esparanza is like the four skinney trees. they are little and dont look like much but they stand strong threw difficulties.
ReplyDeleteMothers food, the smell warms the heart like family, there for you when you feel empty, warm and frendly, never judgmental, always there waiting for you. Food there for one purpous, to help full-fill you.
Jackie Kline
Four Skinny Trees shows how even through tough obsticles Esperanza as well as the trees will grow into the real thing they were born to be. The tree will continuesly grow through the cracks as well as Esperanza will grow through the hard times on Mango Street ans she wil prove people wrong on how she can have a house to herself and women can have strength if they want to. The trees will grow even though no one thought it would. No one beleives in the trees or in Esperanza or have hope in them to acheive what they really are capable of doing.
ReplyDeleteA heart in my life means love and the heart represents love to something or someone giving them hope and care. This is the exact opposite of Esperanza because she doesn't think anyone cares for her and has hope for her along with the four skinny trees.
-Daniel Brown, 3rd block
Sandra Cisneros uses many poetic devices in the chapter "Four Skinny Trees" in the book "The House on Mango Street." The first poetic device she uses is personification which she uses by saying "they grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes" (Cisneros 74). Because she says that the trees have toes and they pick up the earth, this is personification. The second element of poetry is the simile "droop like tulips in a glass" (74). This simile is used to show that Esperanza things the trees are droopy because they are sad. The third poetic device she uses is repitition by stating "keep, keep, keep" (75). The repitition puts emphasis on keep to show that it's important to Esperanza that trees say "keep" when she sleeps. And finally, the last element of poetry used is that the trees are symbolic comparing to Esperanza's appearance and independence.
ReplyDeleteThe Colorful Soccer Ball
What keeps me occupied when I'm bored, that colorful soccer ball which rests in my room. Because of the amount of time I've spent with it, it probably knows me better than anyone. If I'm angry, sad, or happy, this is what keeps my mind off things. I become as joyful as a kid in a candy shop when I start playing with that $15 object with it's pataches falling off from being so old. This is what occupies me on a daily basis, a colorful soccer ball.
Winslow Horne
In "Four Skinny Tress" from Sandra Cisneros' novel The House on Mango Street, personification is used to create prose poetry. She uses personification by stating "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger". This is personification becasue obviously, trees cannot bite the sky or grab the earth. The next element used is repetition. She uses repetition by saying the following, "Keep,keep,keep, trees say when I sleep". This shows the importance of the sentence to the story. The last element in the novel is symbolism. Cisneros' uses symbolism in "Four Skinny Trees" by comparing the trees to herself. She compares her skinny neck and pointy elbows to the tree's branches. Overall, "Four Skinny Trees" has many different elements to create the prose poetry.
ReplyDeletePictures
They remind me of my past and the present. They remind me who I am. They show me my life is pleasant. They show me that I'm grateful for my fam. Looking at old pictures is like looking in the mirror and seeing yourself 5 years ago. Pictures, pictures, pictures, memories of your lifetime. Pictures, pictures, pictures, moments that will last a lifetime.
-Kennedy Nyhoff
In the Vignette, "Four Skinny Trees", Sandra Cisneros uses many poetic devices. Personification is used and gives the trees the ability of understanding. Personification is also shown by saying the trees "grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger"(74). They also are described as having "skinny necks and pointy elbows"(Cisneros 74) like Esperanzas. This is also a simile. Another simile is "Let one forget about his reason for being, they'd all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other"(74). Repetition of the word keep is used. She says "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep"(75). This is also the use of rhyme. Four skinny trees are Esperanza's escape from the life she lives.
ReplyDelete1400 Pounds
1400 pounds that mean the world to me. Part of my everyday life and a huge place in my heart. My horse is my escape. He makes me smile when I'm sad. Gives me kisses and nudges to show his affection. An escape from people, family, and friends. An escape from human life. An escape from school. An escape from everything going on around me. He is my strength, my love, and my joy. He understands. He knows when I'm unhappy and only cares for me. Doesn't say a word, just loves, and his love is returned by me as I care for him.
Kelly Joyner
In "Four Skinny Trees", Sandra Cisneros uses many poetic devices to make this vignette flow and sound good. "They are the only ones who understand me", (Cisneros 74). In this quote Sandra uses personification to make the trees seem alive, because humans understand other humans, not trees. She also repeats a lot in that paragraph, that they were the only ones who could understand her and know her feelings, so that would be the use of repetition. "Four who grew despite concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be", (Cisneros 75). Symbolism is used in these few sentences. By saying that they reach and reach, it symbolizes her personal struggle and will to keep going on and being successful in life. Also, she uses a lot of rhythm, which makes the vignette sound much more poetic. Sandra Cisneros used the right devices and right amount of these devices for "Four Skinny Trees", and was very successful in making it sound poetic and interesting.
ReplyDeleteGirls in a Home
Three girls with one mom. More like one parent. Growing, learning and maturing without a father. Wishing and praying he comes back. Like a young animal longing for its caretaker. Whining and crying and missing and hoping. That someday they will have a father to grow with. To mature with. And learn from.
Madeline Thomas
In the vignette “Four Skinny Trees”, Sandra Cisneros uses literary elements to create prose poetry. Personification is used when she relates the trees to Esperanza. Esperanza says they have skinny necks and pointy elbows, like her, and that her and her sister can hear the trees from their room (Cisneros 74). Esperanza also uses personification when she says they “grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quiet their anger” (Cisneros 74). She uses repetition with the words keep and four. Sandra Cisneros uses literary elements to help portray Esperanza's thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt's the one object that knows me best. It knows my every thought and everything that goes on in my life. It's the slightly beat up phone that rests next to my bed. It knows my every feeling. When it is not taken care of properly, it gets worn out, just like me. Some scratches and scuffs will always stick with it, just like some of the situations that I come across. It offers many different things, just like my personality. It has it's good and bad days, just like me. Sometimes it gets misplaced, like I feel when something goes terribly wrong. My slightly beat up phone never quits, even with all the scuffs and scratches.
Maddie Siegrist
Rachel Lemme
ReplyDeleteSandra Cisneros uses poetic devices throughout her book "The House On Mango Street". She uses many poetic devices more often in the chapter "Four Skinny Trees". The use of Repetition, Symbolism, and Personification are very well portraid in this chapter. "Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine."(Cisneros 74) is a great example of personification. Sandra shows personification in this sentence when she says that the trees have skinny necks and pointy elbows; showing that the trees have similarities to Esperanza. A simile is shown in this chapter when Esperanza mentions the trees "all droop like tulips in a glass".(Cisneros 74) The symbolism in the book is the three trees, representing Esperanza and how she reaches for what she believes in even when times get hard and people hold her back. "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when i sleep"(Cisneros 75) is an example of repetition with the use of the word "keep".
A Pictures Worth A Thousand Words
Click click. Snap snap. The sound of a camera lense focusing and the site of the flash of a shot has been taken. 1 second is all it takes. 1 second and a memory is forever captured. What a rush it gives me. To know that i can capture memories with one click. Expressing your thoughts and imagination into once photo can bring joy to your life. When things in life are tough, capturing my emotions in a photo is the one thing in my life that turns my day from black and white to a variety of colors like a rainbow after a storm. Click click. Snap snap. Capturing memories in just one click. Happiness in just one shot away.
Sandra Cisneros shows many literary elements throughout her whole novel The House on Mango Street. In the vignette Four Skinny Trees, Sandra uses personification, similes, repetition,rhyming. "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger." This quote shows how Esperanza has the ability to give the trees human like features. In reality, trees can't bite the sky and can't have toes. This was an example of personification. "Let one forget his reason for being, they'd all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other." This is an example of also personification as well as a simile. This quote is personification because trees don't have arms and can't hold each other. This is also a simile because Esperanza compares the trees drooping to tulips being in a glass. "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep." This quote is an example of repetition because Esperanza uses a word more than once in the same sentence to add stress to the word itself. This causes the word to have more of a meaning. "When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew despite concrete." This quote shows Esperanza's use of rhyming, which makes the whole vignette more mysterious and more interesting to read.
ReplyDeleteThe Written Book
The novel sitting above my shelf. This book keeps me entertained and helps me understand myself. I can compare the book to my own life experiences. Each page so taunting like a toy to a little kid. Never wanting to lie it down. The book urging me more and more to open it up. The book hangs over trying to grab your hand. It wraps itself around you. The book can see. The book can kick your knee with its hurtful stories. The interesting life it lives. Passing its message on and on untill it reaches home. I rely on this book.
In "Four Skinny Trees", an vignette from Sandra Cisneros "The House on Mango Street", Cisneros includes a lot of literary devices to make this cute little story one to remember. First, Cisneros uses personification in saying the trees "bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger."(Cisneros 74). The trees in this story actually don't have teeth, giving an inatimate object human-like qualities. Cisneros also adds in symbolism when she writes "Four who grew despite concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach." The trees ability to grow through the concrete and not give up represents perserverance, and pushes Esperanza to do the same.
ReplyDeleteThe Worn Out CD Player
I pass by it laying lonley on the floor. It feels left and neglected as I sometimes do. New and better things have come along, but still this old CD player stays strong. Every once in a while I stop to play a track, and it is probably hoping I will come back. Even though this old thing doesn't get played with much, when I turn it on it bursts out with joy. When I feel alone and ignored, I come to my friend and know i'm not the only one. I play it's old CDs, and blast the music to keep me company. It brightens my day like the sun lightens up the world. And when my family returns, and I forget all about that old CD player,but I know the CD player will never forget about me.
Kelly Covert
In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra Cisneros uses many different poetic devices to make a poetic feeling. Her first poetic device was personification saying "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger" (Cisneros 74). Because trees don't actually have toes and can't actually bite the sky with teeth, which they don't have. The second poetic device is when she uses repetition in the sentence "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep" (Cisneros 75). The repetition of the word "keep" is showing that it is important to her. The third poetic device is used in the alliteration "When I am too sad and too skinny to keep keeping" (Cisneros 75). She keeps the same rhyme between the words "sad" and "skinny", then the words "keep" and "keeping". The last poetic device is the symbolism between the trees and her. The trees represent the growth within her and how nothing can stop her from growing strong.
ReplyDeleteThe Worn Out Baseball
The old, beat up baseball that lay across the field. It seems so far away, but I know that I will eventually have to pick it up. The ball has been through so much pain and emotion. Having been hit and thrown around, seeing that only I can know what that ball has truly gone through.
Chris Turner
There are many poetic devices that Sandra Cisneros uses in the vignette "Four Skinny Trees." One of the poetic devices Cisneros used in vignette is symbolism in the quote "Four who do not belong here but are here"( Cisneros 74). This relates to how Esperanza feels about her self and how she feels that she doesn't fit in with her culture but is still a part of it. Sandra Cisneros uses personification in "Four Skinny Trees" with the quote "they grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes" (Cisneros 74). By Cisneros saying the trees grab the Earth with their "hairy toes" this creates personification and gives the vignette a poetic feel. There is also a simile that Cisneos uses in her vignette in the quote "they'd all droop like tulips in a glass" (Cisneros 75). This explains how the trees were "sad" but how the chacter Esperanza was feeling sad with little hope.
ReplyDeleteThe Little White Pillow
What comforts me at the end of the day with kind comfort of softness, that little white pillow that never leaves my bed side. Because of all the nights we have spent together, its there for comfort and there for scremming the drama from the days. Whether its been a happy, sad, or the worst day of all it there to rest your head on. And best of all, it never leaves its always there just like a lonely dog whose found a new best friend. It will never be there to reply but is good for those wild moments you spend with yourself while everyonelse is off to their comfort at night thinking about the days.
Lewis, Madison
In the poem "Four Skinny Trees" from the book " House on Mango Street" author Sandra Cisneros uses poetic devices like repetition,end rhyme,"...they send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down.", personfication,"Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointed elbows like mine.", and alliteration,"too sad to keep keeping when I am a tiny thing against so many bricks."
ReplyDeleteCaptive Camera
My camera, only an object to many but to me it's a way to see the tiny details of the world. My camera, an expensive piece of equipment, helping me to free myself from the busyness of life for a few moments and enjoy the wonders of nature. Capturing favorite memories throughout time and the majestic landscapes of places I've been, holding them in it's memory until I'm ready to move on. My camera, always there for me to escape with.
Amy Jorgensen
These are the poetic elements of the prose poetry, "Four Skinny Trees" in "The House On Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros. Personification in this prose poetry is the four trees "bite the sky with violent teeth. The trees are biting the sky is personification because trees don't have teeth. The simile that Esperanza relates to the trees is "they'd all droop like tulips in a glass". Esperanza thinks that each tree has to keep in mind the goal that they each have, or else all of the trees will droop. The trees "grew despite concrete" symbolizes strength and durability in hard circumstances. The first and last paragraph repeats the word "four" multiple times to emphasize the small number of trees that remind her that she can succeed no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThe Wall
It's what we built. By building the wall, the dirt will not budge. Try and try as it might, the wall always wins the fight. Pushing, pushing, pushing, the dirt tries to win the fight, but the wall is always right. Always standing straight and tall, the wall shall never fall.
Veronica Hadley
In the vignette, "Four Skinny Tress" from the book "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros, the author uses many poetic devices. Esperanza, the main character, describes the trees as if they are human when she says, "Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine" (Cisneros 74). Personification is used by comparing the four trees to the outward appearance of Esperanza. The four skinny trees symbolize how Esperanza feels about herself and her situation. The author wrote "keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep" to remind Esperanza to always stay strong and do not travel far (Cisneros 75). Esperanza wants to forget about her culture and move away from what she is expected to do. Repetition and alliteration are used to exaggerate the fact that Esperanza needs to accept her culture and stay where she is loved because her family is like her concrete of the trees. The four skinny trees continue growing out of concrete even though they do not belong there. The vignette has a few rhymes in the interior of the poem, but the poem is mainly free verse.
ReplyDeleteEverlasting Happiness
I am the happiest when there is music in my ears and the judges in my sight. I am performing like a dolphin in the water with everyones eyes on me. Jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop, no matter which one I dance my heart out and hope to win first place. The stage calls my name and I perform like no one's watching. I love knowing that all of my hard work paid off and now I can change my costume and perform again. When my dance is called out at the awards I hope that the judges saw all of my hard work during the year in those two minutes of performing. Even if I don't win, there will always be a next time!
Abby King
In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra Cisneros uses many literary devices such as personification such as when she says "they grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes"(Cisneros 74). This is personification because the trees do not actually have toes. She also uses symbolism to show Esperanza's independence and pride. There is another literary device used, a simile when she says that the trees are "like tulips in a glass: (Cisneros 75). She also uses repetition to show how the trees relate to her when she uses the words keep, over and over to show how Esperanza is always thinking about them.
ReplyDeleteThe Four Laced Ball
The four laced ball is my escape from it all, it is fun rapped up in a ball. It is just screaming "come play" and it is often tough to say no I must say. The ball has the power to make you forget everything, it is the one person I know that doesn't mind being hit, if I do that to others they will just through a fit. The ball is your escape from it all, even though it is just leather rapped up in the form of a ball.
Hayden Zier P.6
Tayler Feldotto
ReplyDeleteIn the vignette, “Four Skinny Trees”, Sandra Cisneros’ uses prose poetry, which may also be referred to as poetry that portrays itself as a paragraph yet is read like poetry because of its many poetic elements in which it implies. The first poetic device she writes is personification when she talks about how the trees grow saying that, “They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger” (Cisneros 74). The sentence illustrates how the trees grab the earth with their toes and bite the sky with their teeth, which may be described as personification because the trees are given human qualities that the reader knows they cannot actually do. Another poetic element used by Cisneros is her repetition of the word, “keep”, when she writes that, “Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep” (Cisneros 75). The recurrence of the word gives the reader an idea as to how important it is that the trees tell her to never give up. The second poetic device used in this sentence is rhyme. Cisneros first writes, “keep”, in the beginning of the sentences and ends it with “sleep” to tie the sentence together. The author also provides a simile, “they’d all droop like tulips in a glass” (Cisneros 75) which demonstrates imagery.
The Old Car Across the Street
When I feel my faults upon me, holding me down with the strongest of ropes, I look across the street and see that rustic, old blue car. It sits there, lying as it watches time pass by. It may be old and bantered but when its engine starts, it runs as natural and custom as a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. We are more alike than most, we have our slightest imperfections. We may feel slightly out of place but when I’ve got nothing left to do, I drive that old rustic blue.
In the vignette Four Skinny Trees Sandra Cisneros uses examples of personification and repitition. "Four skinny trees with skiny necks and point elbows like mine."(Cisneros 74). Esperanza is comparing her self to a tree by saying that the tree has a skinny neck and pointy elbows just how her body is.This is an example of personification because trees do not have necks or elbows." Four who grow despite concrete. Four who reach and dont foget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be.(Cisneros 75). In these sentences esperanza is stating that the trees will keep growing even if there is concrete is in the way, that they wont forget to reach for their goals to keep growing, and that they are there just to be there. Cisneros uses the repitition of the wod Four to show the importance that there are four trees. Throught the vignette ther are more examples of literary elements, but those are some of the most important.
ReplyDeleteMy house is the place i can go no matter what mood i am in whether it be mad or glad i can always count on my house to be there for me if i am bored tierd or looking to have a good time
Sandra Cisneros used many poetic devices in her vignette "Four Skinny Trees" in "The House On Mango Street." One poetic device that she uses is symbolism by saying "Four who grew despite of concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach. Four whose only reason is to be and be" (Cisneros 75). What she is symbolizing is that despite living poor and in that influencial environment, you can break free from your bondage and become successful just like the four skinny trees. Another poetic device is the repetition of the same words "Keep, keep, keep" (Cisneros 75). The repition of the words keep, keep, keep tell the reader that she is never going to stop trying at being successful. A third poetic device that she uses is personification that she uses in "Each with their arms around the other" (Cisneros 75). She is saying that the four skinny trees have their arms around each other and always on their side. This shows that they will always be there for each other in harsh and good conditions. These poetic devices is what helps make this vignette a very important, symbolic and climax of the book "House on Mango Street."
ReplyDeleteMy iPod
Its what keeps me occupied when im doing homework, a Shiny black device with a window of freedom. Its always in my pocket wanting to be used, it keeps me honest and to myself. Expressing my character with the music I have on it. The apps help me in everyday situations, keeps me in tune with the world and others. I play with it when i'm bored and listen to it when i'm working. It will always be there in rough times and keeps me joyous. I read the bible on it everyday and night. It was well worth the $200 I spent on it and maybe the best buy i've ever had. This is what keeps me occupied during school and homework.
Hunter Graviett
Darcy Mauk
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, 'The House on Mango Street,' Sandra Cisneros uses many elements of poetry in the vignette, 'Four Skinny Trees.' An example of repetition would be, 'Keep, Keep, Keep.'(Cisneros 74) An example of personification is, 'Skinny necks and pointy elbows.'(74) Symbolism is the trees in general, because they describe her.(74-75) Finally, an example of rhyme is, 'Keep, Keep, Keep, trees say when i sleep.'
Ballet Shoes
Dance, dance, dance, that's all i ever seem to do. As i practice in my bedroom, my reflection glowing in the mirror placed on the wall, i can feel the rhythm releasing throughout the bottom of my shoes. My feet sore from pointing so hard. My ballet shoes are graceful. To maintain my grace, i must keep a great pace. For without my ballet shoes, i would be nothing.
In the chapter "Four Skinny Trees", the author, Sandra Cisneros uses "The House On Mango Street" to describe the poetic devices and the symbolism that is connected with in the phrases. "Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine" (74). She is describing the tress are just like her in real life, which is determined personification."They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger." (74). This also describes personification. Esperanza is growing up and starting to be in those teenager years. "They'd all droop like tulips in a glass, each with their arms around the other." (75). This poetic device is a simile. This statement is stating they will always be connected and not apart. "When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew despite concrete." (75). This last poetic device is a rhyme. This explains no one was available, everything was gone and out of sight. As a result, Sandra Cisneros keeps using her poetic devices, elements, rhymes, and her talented mind to create the relationship between her and Esperanza to be free and to have somebody to hold on too throughout life.
ReplyDeleteThe Black Jazz Shoes
Standing on the tip of my toes makes me feel strong. Having the power to do whatever style to express shows my true identity. Wearing the black jazz shoes on my feet makes me feel alive. Leaps, twirling, and posing with the feet and leg motions feels good as I let my heart and passion out for dancing. Letting go of my worries and fears and just having fun with the routine I love feels like no rush at all. I love what i do as I twist and turn in my black jazz shoes.
Sydney Dailey
Kersten Kober
ReplyDeleteThe book "The House on Mango Street", by Sandra Cisneros is about a young girl and her society. The vignette, "Four Skinny Trees" is about Esperanza' s love and fascination of the trees outside her house. She thinks that both she and the trees do not belong, but are stuck there anyway. Both she and they have secret strength and anger. They inspire her because they have grown despite the concrete that tries to keep them in the ground. There are five examples of personification in this vignette. "Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine." (74). This says that the trees are built like humans so therefore this is personification. "They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairry toes and bite with vilent teeth and never quit their anger."(74). Because she says the trees have toes and teeth, this is personification. Another example is, "Their arms around eachother." (75). This is showing a great big hug. And, "Four who reach and don't forget to reach."(75). This is something that she consistently relys on. Lastly, "They teach." (75). This means that she has learned a lot from the trees. There is also a metaphor in this vignette that is comparing the character to a wall of bricks. "I am a tiny thing against so many bricks." (75). The vignette finishes say that Esperanza is just like the trees outside of her window.
The Volleyball
The volleyball keeps my eyes on the prize, the hopes and joys for the future. It changes my mood within seconds and keeps my mind off many things. This is the one thing in my life that i count on every day, and it knows me better than anyone. I become as happy as a child being handed a balloon for the first time. The ball has a mind of it's own, going where ever it may like. There comes time where is have to control it. This is what makes life good, a dirty old volleyball.
In the chapte of House on Mango street, Four Skinny Trees the author uses many poetic elements. "Four who don't belong here but are here.". In the first paragraph the author compares the trees to herself and tells how they are both in a different place than they are used to bet still move along with life. The author presonifies that the trees are biting the sky and grabbing the earth to make the trees seem more human (and more like Esperanza). The trees are an example to Esperanza to keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteThe Fridge
The thing that always proviedes, and for some reason never runs out. It gives to me when I am hungry and sometimes makes me fat. It always has something good to offer. Just like we all should. It keeps me alive, well and going. It is something we all take for granted. But thankful we should be.
Thank you fridge.
Matthew Pourfakhrai
In the chapter "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra uses personification by giving the four trees toes that dig in and hold onto the earth. She uses the simile "droops like tulips in a glass" to say that the trees are depressed. Sandra also uses repetition with the work keep to show that she wants them to stay.
ReplyDeleteMy Ipod
My Ipod is my safe spot that I can go to anytime,
With comforting arms that take me in when I need them,
With songs of every sort that can tell you exactly how you feel,
Like a mother it's there when you need to cry,
My Ipod is what makes the days go by.
Ashley Acker
many poetic devices are used by Sandra Cisneros in "four skinny trees" she uses personification when saying "and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger" (Cisneros 74). She says that the trees have teeth and bite the sky and that is personification. She also uses the simile "they'd all droop like tulips in glass" (74-75). Esperanza is saying if you forget the reason you are there you will be sad and "droop". The trees also symbolize Esperanza in what she thinks of herself.
ReplyDeleteThe Baseball
I toss it around when i have nothing else to do, and it, like me, has nothing to lose. I am most happy when I'm playing with the baseball and i get as amused as a cat with a ball of yarn. i throw it everyday whether it's hot or it's cold. this is what keeps me and my family busy all the time, just the baseball
Kenny Hill
Kaitlin Hester B8
ReplyDeleteAnalysis:
In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra Cisneros uses many poetic devices to make the paragraph flow. One example of a poetic device would be repetition. "Keep keep keep trees say in my sleep. " . It expressed the importance Esperanza felt towards it. Another poetic device used by the author was personification. The author gave the plants life when she says, " bite the sky with violent teeth". Another poetic device used in this vignette was symbolism. The skinny trees represent Esperanza growing up in a tough situation, but somehow being able to beat the odds and growing as a person as much as she possibly can.
Music
My music always has the perfect ways to describe me, I am the only one to relate in a certain way. The secret of music is the relation, my ipod speaks words of happiness, sadness, and love and won't stop until it is told. A personal diary all of songs the make up who I am and what I like. I listen and listen and listen and listen to the songs over and over trying to get a better understanding. Without music, our world would be like a little puddle out in the middle of nowhere, but with our music and experiences we make it as diverse and interesting as the ocean. It's just me and my music.
Ryan Murray
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: In the vignette called "Four Skinny Trees" in "The House on Mango Street," Sandra Cisneros used many poetic devices. The first poetic devices used are personification and a simile, which are used in the sentence, "Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine." (Cisneros 74). In reality, trees can not have skinny necks and pointy elbows just like a child like Esperanza. But what they can have are long and tall trunks and zig-zag branches. Personification is when a not human-like figure gets human-like characteristics in which the trees are the nonhuman-like figures. Another poetic device located in this vignette is repetition of the word keep on page 75. The repetition shows that it is meaningful to Esperanza to keep doing what ever she needs to do. In "The House on Mango Street" in the vignette "Four Skinny Trees," Sandra Cisneros uses many poetic devices to show emphasis on the trees which mean most to Esperanza.
The Black and White Keys
The black and white keys that make wonderful sounds to any person who will try to play. The keys that always let me in to play. I can play in the morning or even late at night. But sometimes when it's too loud, the may start a fight. These are the keys into my life. I depend on them with all my might. There are different sounds for every mood. Light ones, dark ones, and middle ranged too. They go with my fingertips as well as peanut butter and jelly. Nothing can separate them. Nothing now, and nothing forever. We are to peas in a pod. Me and my black and white keys.
Sandra Cisneros uses a plethora of poetic devices in the poem "Four Skinny Trees". When the trees say "keep keep keep", Sandra uses repetition to show that the trees are trying to "teach" (Four 75), in which repetition is used in a basic way to teach. This is also an example of personification, because trees cannot normally speak, nor teach. The trees are also symbolic of Esperanza because of how their "strength is secret." Both the trees and Esperanza have not fully shown or developed into their true potential, which for a tree would be a full tree with lots of branches and as for Esperanza it would be her blossoming into adulthood.
ReplyDeleteThe Secret Ocean
Hidden deep in the jungles of the Past
Lies an ocean, deep and blue
Swim and jump in it fast,
Watch as your joy overcomes you.
Secrets deep in the backyard,
entertain for hours, days, months,
an ocean to me, a pool to you
forever shall I hold it true
Rising spirits on days of gloom
drowning the emotions of old men rising from their tomb
slip and splash on merry nights
having fun like a kid with a kite
Hidden deep in my favorite yard
saves me from my jail, for I am unbarred
The secret ocean, deep and blue
forever shall I hold it true
Jeff Imam
Dalton Roberts Block 7
ReplyDeleteIn the vignette "Four Skinny Trees" of the book "The House on Mango Street" Sandra Cisneros used four main poetic devices. First she uses personification by stating that the trees "bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger." (Cisneros 74). She says the trees have teeth to bite the sky and they feel anger, which makes this personification. The next poetic divice Sandra uses is symbolism to compare the trees to Esperanza's independence and devotion to a good life. The third device is a similie. The similie "they'd all droop like tulips in a glass" (Cisneros 74) compares the trees to dying flowers, which represent death and unhappiness. The last poetic device she uses is repetition through the word keep throughout the entire vignette. Repeating this word shows how the trees keep fighting for life and so does Esperanza, which is also symbolism.
The Oklahoma State University Flag
While I am studying in my room, I wonder why i even try in school. Then i look up at my O.S.U. flag and I know why. Wheather i'm tired, lazy or bored this is what makes me try. Because soo I realize that I know why I try, it is because I must reach the goal of which I set. That goal is for me to achieve but only if I try and try.
Matt Reed
ReplyDeleteIn the vignette “Four Skinny Trees”, Sandra Cisneros uses literary elements to create prose poetry. Personification is used when she compares the trees to Esperanza. Esperanza says they have skinny necks and pointy elbows, like her, and that her and her sister can hear the trees from their room and she also says they are the only ones that understand her as if they have a mind to think from(Cisneros 74). Esperanza also uses personification when she says they “grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quiet their anger” (Cisneros 74). She uses repetition with the words keep and four and ryhmes with sleep and keep. Sandra Cisneros uses literary elements to help show Esperanza's thoughts.
Highschool Terrors
Tennagers face various chllaenges in their aging. Some change the way they live to fit another's perspective. Without realizing in only the way they've changed themselves will effect the rest of their life. Teenagers getting caught up in what others think when they will never see them again. Teenagers carry negative opinions on their shoulders causing change for a person that may barely know their name. The pressures of highschool can cause actions that will change you the rest of your life, look forward and forget the negative left behind.
In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees", Esperanza uses literary elements such as personification and imagery to further express the symbolism. Esperanza compares first the physical features to her own then the philosophical representations to how she wants to be. Such as her comparing the roots to holding her to a place.
ReplyDeleteA Computer
A computer is a tool, a weapon and a workplace. It is singular in substance infinite in capability. It connects a singular place with a multinational network either helping or destroying others. A computer is like a person individually we are unique but there are many like us everywhere we turn. We can bring people up or we can tear them down and all it depends on is what will or emotion is at the wheel.
Hunter Klein
Analysis-
ReplyDeleteIn Four Skinny Trees, Esperanza uses four trees in her front yard to symbolize her. One way they symbolize her is the hidden strength in them. Esperanza can be deceiving because she is a lot stronger internally than most people would even think. Another way the vignette represents her is the roots of the tree. They symbolize her latin roots in Mexico. Esperanza is one with the trees because she can easily relate to them.
Prose Poetry-
Treadmill
A treadmill represents a bad day. It constantly runs but no matter how fast it goes, it never moves. It is stuck in one spot, trying, but never achieving. Rain or sunshine makes no difference when you are unable to be affected. They are tiring and sometimes seem endless.
Katie Vanyo Block 1
Kayle Schmidt
ReplyDeleteBLOCK 8
In the vignette “Four Skinny Trees”, Sandra Cisneros uses literary elements to create prose poetry. A main literary device is personification the four trees are compared to Esperanza. Esperanza mentions them with, "skinny necks and pointy elbows" like her. The "skinny necks and pointy elbows" this is how she views herself. The next poetic divice used is symbolism to compare the trees to Esperanza's freedom and will to try to grow through the cracks. Esperanza is going to grow through the dislikes and opposing opinions. The last device is a similie. The similie "they'd all droop like tulips in a glass" compares the trees to flowers in a vase, this has the appearance of the constriction of the vase and also the death among them.
Life is not fair
Everyone has it tough as teenagers. Learning new things, becoming who you will be but gorwing up in a broken home is the hardest. The sadness haunts over you. Even six years later it still is the same, the same empty rooms, the same thought, and the same what ifs. Your thoughts filled with the thought of where is the other part of your life. You wake up the next day and start all over only with the comfort of friends do you make it through day by day.
Emily Grabarkewitz
ReplyDeleteBlock 1
The vignette "Four Skinny Trees is about Esperanza's opinion of how similar she is the the four trees outside her window are. She is fascinated how the trees grow so tall even though they are constricted by the hard solid concrete. In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees" Sandra Cisneros uses many strong literary elements to create prose poetry. "They are the ones who understand me" (74). In its quote Cisneros uses personification to compare Esperanza to the trees. Cisneros also uses repetition with the words; keep and four in the end of the vignette to show emphases on her relationship with the trees (75).
My Tree
When I was in 5th my school gave everyone a tree. I was so proud of my tree because it was healthy and beautiful. When we moved after my 6th grade year the new homeowners would not allow us to take my tree and I had to leave it behind. After starting my new school I realized that the tree represented a big part of my previous life because it showed how I had grown and matured as a person in my nine years at my old school. My tree, which started off as a baby sapling will eventually be glorious shade tree, is in the process like myself of growing up and experiencing life's challenges. However now every time I go by my old home I can look at my tree and it is a reminder of how my journey is only starting and how much more I have to grow as a person.
Meredith Hope block 1
ReplyDeleteThe four skinney trees represent Esperanza because they do not belong. Personification is shown in this vignette when Esperanza says "They grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes." Symbolism is also shown here by saying "Four skinney trees with skinney necks and pointy elbows like mine." This compares Esperanza's appearance to the trees. Rhythm and repetition are also conveyed throughout the vignette through the saying "When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew despite concrete" and "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when i sleep."
From the gentle touch of a little girl's delicate hand, to the firm grasp of a strong man, it swings open to a new path. It will lead to places never seen or heard of before. It is a door. It is softly closed or slammed shut. It introduces experiences that are regretful, amazing, and terrifying. Everyday it is unconsciencely used as a portal to a different path and is only closed just to be opened again.
Matt Gilchrest
ReplyDeleteThe section of writing reads as poetry due to the specifaly places commas and periods in the paragraphs. In almost every sentence symbolism of the trees is used. Imagery is used in pretty much every other word or two. Sandra Cisneros really intrests your senses in the vignette.
The Golf Club
The Golf Club keeps my eye on the prize, always trying to reach my goal. I constantly think about where I want to take it and where I want to go. However complicated or simple life gets, I can always go back to my trusty Golf Club.
Jenna Sullivan
ReplyDeleteBlock 6
In four skinny trees Esperanza is identifying with the trees through personification. She is doing them by explaining what she is like through them saying even though they appear weak, useless and pathetic, they were able to grow and thrive just as Esperanza will. Why i say she will is because when towards the end she says the four trees achieved their greatest potential through different ways each time, she is emphasizing that she will get there as well. That is how she knows, believes and has the feeling that one day, she will leave mango street.
cable box
I look upon it, after all i am always checking the time, and it is always there and always accurate. Yes after awhile it does cause monotony but in my life I always like assurance. I like to know If, when, where and why something is going to happen or if something is going to happen at all. I find it a little strange that I do this because it also serves function to record shows and watch them later, and not on a schedule and i never plan a certain time to watch these shows or sometimes even watch them. But whenever i am in my house, in a room with a cable box i am always watching it like a hawk, but why not the television show that is being recorded on it at the moment.
In "Four Skinny Trees", Sandra Cisneros uses many literary elements to portray a dramatic vignette. She feels as though the trees are the only ones that understand her and what she dealing with. Both her and the trees are put in a suppressive environment and strive for better things.
ReplyDeletelike a cat perched at the window, looking off into the busy world. Envious of it's freedom, the cat wants to be free and go outside. But what the cat does not see is the dangers that all good seeming things posses. When given a sample of what the outside was like the cat quickly learned that staying protected and being fed under a roof was not so bad after all.
Alex Dickson
Teala_denise
ReplyDeleteBlock6
The trees in Four Skinny Trees represent Esperanza because they have been placed on Mango Street where they don't belong,as so herself. They are small, but strong in many ways. Esperanza is fervid to substaine her living conditions but, seems to object the fact that she can. I found personification when Esperanza is describing the trees will grow like in. "And grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with their violent teeth." "For who grew despite concrete. My life i like is like running a mile on the track. Same black pattern over, and over again. Knowing that i could easily get away from it I choose not to because I know that running on that track will/could soon lead me into success in life if I keep on pushing , and get done with the hard parts.
Brandon Viohl
ReplyDeleteBlock 6
In "Four Skinny Trees", Esperanza feels she is alone and only the trees understand her. They have constant anger and have violence. She is wanting the world to notice her. She looks to the trees when she is sad or angry because the trees have similar problems as her. Sandra Cisneros uses prose poetry to describe the trees. Her poetry in the vignette includes similes, metaphors, and personification.
Poem:
The football soars in the air, a set of hands falls upon it. Across the field the player goes, eleven other players chasing him down. The crowd goes wild as the player crosses the endzone. The day is made with the win.
Robert Romanelli
ReplyDelete1.) There are many literary elements used in the vignette "four skinny trees." There is personification used by the trees grabbing things, alliteration towards the end "Keep, keep, keep" and symbolism by comparing the tree to herself.
2.)Fences hold tight as long as everything is right. They are a wall of wooden concrete as long as no pieces are missing. They work together to get the job done, as long as no board is broken. They will stand tall and strong as long as they keep working together.
Mallory Wyatt
ReplyDelete1) There were lots of examples of poetry elements in " Four Skinny Trees." Some examples of Personification would be that Esperanza believes the trees are the "only ones who understand me", the trees "bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger", the trees keep "each with their arms around the other." Most of the symbolism relates to Esperanza, such as "skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine", "do not belong here but are here." There is a real sense of rhythm in this segment of the short story. The one portion that stands out to me the most is: "Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep." There is lots of repetition which adds to the poetic sense of this short story.
2) There is a bright blue clear plastic cup at my house. It stands tall, its not very strong, but it cannot be broken. I feel it symbolizes me for that reason. For everything I go through, I may be weak, but I'm never defeated. The cup may be weak and flimsy, but nothing can ever make it snap.
Nate Sullivan
ReplyDeleteBlock 6
Many literary elements can be found in "Four Skinny Trees". There is personification when the trees are biting the sky and grabbing the earth. Metaphors are used when Esperanza is comparing the trees to herself. Sandra also uses repitition when she says "Keep, keep, keep, the trees say when I sleep.
I can't wait for it. It can't wait for me. Everyday when I come home it's their to put a smile on my face, regardless of how my day went. We'll play together, walk together, and just be together. It will often be by my side when im alseep as well. I love my dog.
Isabella Kackley
ReplyDelete1) In the vignetter "four skinny trees" many literary elements are used. The trees being able to reach and grab is personification and throught the whole vignette she is comparing herselfs to to the trees. The trees are a symbol of Esperanza
2)The rusty bicycle went across the road and just stopped. It made me think of life and how it went. The bike kept going and then just suddenly laid there like a squashed tomatoe. Later on i didn't see the bike anymore. So many things could of happend to it. Could of been thrown away or stolen, just like our life could end out to be.
1. In the vignette "Four Skinny Trees", Esperanza has many things in common with these trees. The trees were randomly planted by the city; They didn't have a place. This is like Esperanza, she is awkward and an outcast. Neither, it seems, have much purpose. This is how Esperanza can relate to the trees; She appreciates them. The trees are strong even though you may not see it from the outside. But underneath, like an iceberg, they are rooted and sturdy where they stand. This symbolizes how Esperanza knows what she believes in, she just sometimes can't find the courage to express it. But the trees don't let Esperanza forget her reason to live and grow and move on in her life. They keep her strong and encouraged by their power to continue to grow dispite averything else. They made it through the concrete and keep going. Their only reason to live is just to exist. So when Esperanza feels she has no purpose to live, she looks back to the trees. It shows rhyme in the second paragraph with the words "ground" and "down". Also "teeth" and "keep" demonstrate a from of ryhme. And repetition is shown in paragraph three in "Keep, keep, keep...".
ReplyDelete2. Butterfly. I am like a butterfly. Butterflies first begin as an innocent little caterpillar. They are unknowing and curious. They will go through their life and grow as I do in my life everyday. I learn knew things and form my character. Butterflies are friendly, joyfull, and carfree. Once they are old and have matured enough, caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies. One day I will transfrom in to a butterfly when I take all the knowledge I know and experiences I've had, and use it to fulfill my dreams and fly away.
Sarah Cory
Block 7
Devon Walter
ReplyDelete1. The whole vignette "Four Skinny Trees" is a made to look like a paragraph but while reading you find that it is indeed a poem. In the vignette Esperanza is comparing herself to the trees using personification. She is saying the trees as well as her may appear weak, useless and pathetic, but they were able to grow and thrive just as Esperanza will.
2. The make up stays on so well and perfectly. One moment you are so happy with the make up sitting on your face, then the next its everywhere. Tears along with the make up streaming down your face because of what he did. Everything will end up alright because she is by your side.
^^MAJOR FAILLL
Joshua Dadson
ReplyDeleteHey Robert, nice job finding some of the literary elements.
Colin Kuzdak
ReplyDelete1.) There are many examples of literary elements in the vignette "Four Skinny Trees." Almost the entire vignette is a personification symbolizing herself. There is also an example of repetition for effect when she says, "Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep. There is also a simile which says," they'd all droop like tulips in a glass.
2.) Fences
Fences are supportive and strong.
They keep holding up even when things go wrong.
They're not destroyed or withered even from rain.
They can survive through all the pain.
Bailey Farmer
ReplyDelete1. I found many literary elements in "Four Skinny Trees." Personification is used when the trees have "pointy elbows." Also a simile is used when she compares the tree's pointy elbows to hers, in the stanza "like mine." In the stanza,"They sent ferocious roots...and grab the earth..and never quit their anger," is portraying another example of personification for the trees. Also in the same line, a metaphor is used to compare Esperanza and the anger she feels.
2. On the hangers in the closet, cheer uniforms bring energy to the room. The bright colors and glitter change the atmosphere of the room. They bring confidence to the girl wearing it. Lifting spirits of others, the uniforms give the girl attitude and motivation through her routine. The cheerleading uniforms make it sassy and fun to watch. The uniforms make the sport worth watching.
Alec Garner 3rd
ReplyDeleteEsperanza hates the fact that she doesnt have a front yard. But she comes to realise that "the four skinny trees" in her front yard are beautiful. The fact that even though the trees are held down they still grow strongly, just as she does. As she changes her view of the front yard she changes how she views herself and becomes self confident, and she sees herself as she sees the trees.
When I think of myself, I think of a lightblub. On old cartoons when someone came up with an idea a lightbulb would turn on above their head. And I am always coming up with ideas that could become inventions. Which relates back to the lightbulb, which is an invention itself. I view myself as an invention, something that appears so simple but is very complex when broken down.
Hunter Lackey
ReplyDeleteBlock1
Many poetic devices are used by Sandra Cisneros in the vignette, "Four skinny trees" she uses personification when saying "and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger" (Cisneros 74). When she says the tree bites the night sky is a personification, because the trees are being examined as having human actions as biting. She also uses the simile "they'd all droop like tulips in glass" (Cisneros 74-75). Esperanza is saying if you forget the reason you are there you will be sad and "droop". The trees also symbolize Esperanza in what she thinks of herself.
Football
I toss it around with all of my friends, and it, like me, has nothing to lose. I am most happy when I'm playing with the football because i feel like a quarterback and i get amused as a dog when they hear "car ride?" i throw it everyday whether . This is what keeps me busy when my friends and myself have nothing better to do.
Victor Minor
ReplyDelete1 "Four skinney trees with elbows like mine" this is a good example of personification. Esperonza is comparing herself to the trees,and how they grew dispite there surroundings. She feels trapped by her house and the street she lives on.
2 Skateboarding has its own way of life, listening to the wind whisper in my ear every time I drop in a ramp. Motivating me to push myself. The wind brings out my inner strength.
derek mclemore
ReplyDeleteThere are many literary elements used in the vignette "four skinny trees." There is personification used by the trees grabbing things, alliteration towards the end "Keep, keep, keep" and symbolism by comparing the tree to herself.
Fences hold tight as long as everything is right. They are a wall of wooden concrete as long as no pieces are missing. They work together to get the job done, as long as no board is broken. They will stand tall and strong as long as they keep working together.
Derek mclemore
ReplyDeleteThere are many literary elements used in the vignette "four skinny trees." There is personification used by the trees grabbing things, alliteration towards the end "Keep, keep, keep" and symbolism by comparing the tree to herself.
Hands hold tight as long as everything is right. They are a wall of wooden concrete as long as no pieces are missing. They work together to get the job done, as long as no board is broken. They will stand tall and strong as long as they keep working together.
Mack Morgan
ReplyDeleteThis poem repeats "Four Skinny Trees" repeats words to have more affect on the poem. Like for example, it repeats four and the meaning of the word in that poem. And also the word keep is repeated throughout the poem.
Four people, four rooms, four personalities. The four of them are waiting for success like four skinny trees. They keep waiting, keep waiting, and keep waiting.
Mrs Flores Blk. 3
ReplyDeleteEvan Zeller
In the poem, "Four Skinny Trees" Cisneros uses personification with "grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky." Also she has imagery and similies in "with violent teeth" and "they'd all droop like tulips in a glass."
They wait, and sit, and watch each other. I use them every day, three couches and a television. The couches blend together like one opposite the television. Used for relaxation and entertainment. Like couch potatoes we sit and enjoy the wonderful world of TV.