A Celebration of Grandfathers
1. In “A Celebration of Grandfathers,” the author writes that respect for elders is “a cultural value to be passed on from generation to generation.” What does he say the elders could teach young people? Use evidence from the text to explain your answer.
Anaya states that elders can teach young people to live “authentic lives.” By this he means lives that have meaning and purpose achieved through hard work, faith, and a sense of community. Anaya states, “They learned that to survive one had to share in the process of life,” and that means sharing in the good and the bad. Anaya compares the eyes of the older generation to windows that “peer into a distant past,” and have a knowledge and spirit that comes from an understanding of the earth with which younger generations have lost touch.
2. Anaya recalls an incident where his grandfather tells him, “Know where you stand.” What did his grandfather mean literally? What did he mean figuratively?
Anaya’s grandfather says this to Anaya when he comes home as a young boy having been badly bitten by ants while working out in the fields. Literally, Grandfather means “watch where you are going/standing,” or “pay better attention.” Figuratively, Grandfather means this in a more philosophical sense; he is telling young Anaya to learn to pay attention to the world around him so that he can avoid danger. Specifically, he means to pay attention to the Earth (nature) because, unless you show it respect, it can become unfriendly. Even nature’s tiny ants can become hostile and, when working as a community, can become threatening.
3. The title of this memoir is “A Celebration of Grandfathers,” not “A Celebration of My Grandfather.” Why do you think Anaya made this distinction?
In this memoir, Anaya is celebrating the “elders,” which include all older generations and all future generations that will one day be old. Anaya uses his own grandfather as an example. By relaying his personal experiences with his grandfather, Anaya shows examples of what the elders can pass on to younger generations. This piece is intended as a celebration of all older generations (grandfathers and grandmothers) and the cultural values they passed on.
4. How does Anaya’s grandfather help him cope with the death of his young friend?
When a young boy is dragged to his death by a horse, young Anaya is upset that death came to someone so young. To help him understand the process of death as a function of life, Anaya’s grandfather explains death through images of nature and the changing of seasons. These are common and comforting images that a young Anaya can relate to. Grandfather explains death as a resting period before blooming again, a “small transformation in life” rather than a permanent unknown.
5. The author states that “They [ancianos] learned that to survive one had to share in the process of life.” What does he mean by this? What is the “process of life”?
Anaya means that the elders worked together as family, friends, and neighbors to support each other when times were bad and to share in the bounty when times were good. It was a life that was community-oriented. The process of life is the daily process of living and surviving. They shared good times and hard times. They helped each other through the “epidemics and personal tragedies” and they “shared what little they had when the hot winds burned the land and no rain came.” Rappers, if only they knew what they looked like…maybe they would stop.
Sneaking Out: a Personal Memoir
It wasn’t the first time I had felt that crisp breeze hit my face. I closed the door behind me hoping my parents wouldn’t hear it squeak as it sealed off my family room. I took a deep breath in letting the adrenaline run through me, and letting out the anxiety of getting caught. What would happen if they had? I have only been grounded once my whole life and that was when I was five years old. I’m not saying there wouldn’t be any repercussions but nothing more severe than a warning to be careful, but neither parent would say “You are forbidden to sneak out of this house.
I hoped my dogs hadn’t woken from their snoring slumber. I imagined Lincoln clamoring down the stairs, his collar jingling, to investigate the disturbance.It didn’t matter the consequences, my parents knew I was a responsible young adult. I heard Drew’s mustang coming down the street and I stepped off the old deck. The anticipation of getting away with this mischievous act was enough to propel me over the fence. Drew and Randall were waiting in the cul-de-sac, the car’s engine purring me from the side yard and into the backseat. “Will your parents wake up? Drew asked, I replied with a shake of my head no, and he drove the speed limit back to his house.
Even though it was just a mile down the road I was too scared to walk there in the dark by myself. I let the wind hit my face and the music hit my mind and enjoyed the presence of two guys who don’t care when I wear my glasses, men’s boxers, and look like a wreck. Drew’s garage was open as we pulled into the driveway, with three chairs lined up waiting for us. Drew and Randall smoked their cigarettes and talked about fast cars, races, and other automotive topics.I pretend I’m listening, but I tuned them out the moment my legs stuck to the black leather. Yes, I liked spending time with them, and that’s why I always called them up, but sneaking out had become so much more for me. Sneaking out was sitting in a garage and just letting my mind wander.
It was Nothing crazy like TPing someone’s house, drinking, or a chance for me to be a crazy rebel. It was more than just “fun”, it was that adrenaline rush, the anticipation of getting caught, and a retreat for my over worked mind.On this particular night Randall and Drew were hungry for some “4th meal. ” I being a Taco Bell virgin just went along for the ride. We drove along, and after seeing the fast food restaurants down Main Street, my tummy started rumbling. We pulled into Taco Bell’s drive through. The boys were anticipating some greasy delicious food.
By this point I was too. I was advised to go with something original. I chose to get two soft tacos with lettuce. It was one of the best life decisions I had made. The juicy meat and melted cheese had my taste buds yearning for more.Randall and Drew will forever be credited for taking my Taco Bell virginity. None of us wanted to go to sleep after our glorious food rendezvous.
Instead we went to a local park to relive our childhood moments on the swings and playground. Drew pulled in, and I dashed to my favorite swing. It was the best because it was in the middle, never squeaked and I always thought it was longer than the others, giving me the most height. I realized now that it was the same length, but somehow I always flew higher.The swings, like sitting in the garage and driving around, let the world fall away. I pumped my legs harder and harder all three of us making the swing set jump a little out of the ground. I threw off my sandals allowing the wind between my toes.
When it came to hopping off the swing, I landed farthest away from the play- set. After we relished our memories, we all calmly swung and talked about cars and the girls in their lives. They asked for my advice on what a romantic date would be and about boys in my life, I said “nothing, really. That was one component of my life that I didn’t want to think about didn’t matter. After about an hour and a few cop look – a – likes we headed back home. Drew dropped me off, and asked, “Do you want to come again tomorrow? ” I answered sarcastically, “Is that even a real question? ” As I snaked back through my side yard I relived the past few hours over and over again in my head. I relished the moments of laughter, complete confusion, and successfully not getting caught.
After many nights like that one I realized that “sneaking out” has a negative reputation. Yes, some teens decide to do stupid things that could end very badly. But, why did they sneak out in the first place? They, like me, wanted to escape, wanted to feel that adrenaline pumping through their veins and the wind in their hair. Now in college, I don’t really have to sneak, but just go. Though “the guys” aren’t here with me, and there are no swings or cars to drive, walking around seems to satisfy any craving for private reflecting.Sometimes I walk with another person, other times it’s just me. It’s not necessarily, what I’m doing or who I’m with as long as I get to reflect on my life and let myself de- stress and relax.
Then again, that’s all sneaking out has ever really been, not a rebellious act, but a therapeutic session. subject of the paper is your personal memory, not anyone else’s not about anything else, it is only about you sneaking out how you felt, why, who with. Self: this is not about history, this is about story. Extraordinary not boring. Smithmag. net/sixwords
