Read the The expression on his face shocked both mother and daughter. Carlos's toothless mouth had collapsed into a dark zero. His eyes bored into Yoyo, then shifted to Laura. In barely audible Spanish, as if secret microphones or informers were all about, he whispered to his wife, "You will permit her to read that?”
Laura's eyebrows shot up, her mouth fell open. In the old country, any whisper of a challenge to authority could bring the secret police in their black V.W.'s. But this was America. People could say what they thought. "What is wrong with her speech?" Laura questioned him."once silently. Then, reread it aloud while trying to read faster and more smoothly.
Write three to five sentences explaining any strategies you used and what new understanding you gained from the text as a result of reading it aloud.
While reading the text aloud, I used strategies such as using proper intonation and emphasizing key words to better convey the emotions and intentions of the characters. By doing so, I gained a clearer understanding of the shock and fear experienced by both Carlos and Laura in this situation. Reading aloud also helped me notice the contrasts between Carlos's dark zero of a mouth and Laura's open and questioning reaction. Overall, reading the text aloud enhanced my comprehension of the characters' emotions and the tension in the scene.
In order to understand and analyze the passage, I used the following strategies:
1. Reading silently and making note of the key details: First, I read the passage silently, taking note of the description of Carlos's facial expression and the exchange between him and his wife. This helped me understand the initial shock and tension in the scene.
2. Imagining the scene and characters: Based on the description, I tried to visualize the characters and their emotions. I imagined Carlos's collapsed toothless mouth, his intense gaze, and the surprise on Laura's face. This helped bring the scene to life and understand the characters' reactions.
3. Reading aloud and emphasizing certain words: By reading the passage aloud, I was able to feel the tone and emotions in the dialogue. I emphasized certain words like "permit," "challenge," and "authority" to capture the intensity and underlying tension in the conversation. This helped me understand the power dynamics and the fear of the secret police mentioned in the passage.
Through these strategies, I gained a better understanding of the tension and fear that Carlos and Laura are experiencing. The mention of secret microphones, informers, and the secret police in the old country suggests a history of oppression and a reluctance to challenge authority. Additionally, Laura's surprise at Carlos's question indicates the contrast between their previous experiences in the old country and the freedom they have in America to speak openly.
To effectively understand the text and gain new insights, I would employ several strategies while reading it aloud. First, I would pay attention to the author's use of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of Carlos's expression and its impact on the mother and daughter. This would allow me to truly grasp the shock they experienced.
Second, I would focus on the use of the phrase "dark zero" to describe Carlos's toothless mouth. This metaphorical description suggests that his mouth has become a gaping void, possibly indicating a sense of loss or emptiness. By emphasizing this detail while reading, I would gain a deeper understanding of Carlos's appearance and the emotional impact it has on the other characters.
Third, I would be attentive to the author's use of language and dialogue to convey tension and fear. The mention of secret microphones and informers, along with the reference to the secret police, suggests a climate of surveillance and fear in the characters' hometown. By reading these parts aloud, I could better capture the tone and atmosphere created by the author.
Through the process of reading the text aloud and focusing on these strategies, I would gain a more immersive understanding of the characters' emotions, the significance of Carlos's expression, and the cultural context in which the story takes place.