A DREAM CALLED HOME
NOTES:
So far what has happened in the novel or memoir so far? Is it easy to follow?
1. Is the plot mostly consist of physical action or mental action (psychological)?
2. Do you see any sub-plots in the novel? Those are the extra stories in the novel
other than the main storyline.
3. Does the plot go in chronological or time order? Explain,
So far, in the memoir "A Dream Called Home" by Reyna Grande, the author
has recounted her life experiences in two parts. In the first part, "Twice the
Girl I Used to Be," she describes her time as a creative writing student at the
University of California, Santa Cruz. During this period, she faces challenges
such as microaggressions from White students and faculty, feelings of
otherness, and the struggle to find her place in the program. Key moments
include her professor mispronouncing her name, helping her troubled sister
move onto campus, finding mentors in her writing journey, and embracing her
dual identity through her involvement in a student folklórico group.
Throughout this part, flashbacks provide insights into Reyna's past, including
her experiences of abuse, abandonment, and immigration.
In the second part, "The Home I Carry," the focus shifts to Reyna's life after
university. This period is marked by professional and personal setbacks. She
grapples with difficulties in finding employment as a writer, takes a job as a
middle school teacher, experiences failed romantic relationships, and becomes
a mother. Additionally, she deals with the death of her grandmother and the
cycle of abuse within her family. Despite these challenges, Reyna remains
determined to become a professional writer and build a loving home. She
achieves significant milestones like purchasing a house, joining a prestigious
writing program, meeting her dream man, and securing a book deal for her
first novel, "Across a Hundred Mountains." The memoir ends with an epilogue
outlining Reyna's life in the years following the publication of her book.
The plot of the memoir is not purely driven by physical action but is a mix of
physical and mental actions. It delves into Reyna's personal and emotional
struggles, her journey to find her identity and place in a new environment, as
well as her determination to pursue her dreams and overcome challenges.
Sub-plots in the memoir can be seen in the form of Reyna's personal
relationships, her family dynamics, and her professional aspirations. These
sub-plots add depth to the story, as they provide insight into the various facets
of her life beyond the main narrative of her educational and writing journey.
The plot is presented in chronological or time order. It follows the sequence of
events in Reyna's life from her university years to her post-university
experiences. The narrative moves forward in time, with occasional flashbacks
to earlier events, helping readers to understand her background and how it has
shaped her present circumstances. This chronological structure makes it
relatively easy to follow the story of her life and personal growth.
NOTES:
So far what has happened in the novel or memoir so far? Is it easy to follow?
1. Is the plot mostly consist of physical action or mental action (psychological)?
2. Do you see any sub-plots in the novel? Those are the extra stories in the novel
other than the main storyline.
3. Does the plot go in chronological or time order? Explain,
So far, in the memoir "A Dream Called Home" by Reyna Grande, the author
has recounted her life experiences in two parts. In the first part, "Twice the
Girl I Used to Be," she describes her time as a creative writing student at the
University of California, Santa Cruz. During this period, she faces challenges
such as microaggressions from White students and faculty, feelings of
otherness, and the struggle to find her place in the program. Key moments
include her professor mispronouncing her name, helping her troubled sister
move onto campus, finding mentors in her writing journey, and embracing her
dual identity through her involvement in a student folklórico group.
Throughout this part, flashbacks provide insights into Reyna's past, including
her experiences of abuse, abandonment, and immigration.
In the second part, "The Home I Carry," the focus shifts to Reyna's life after
university. This period is marked by professional and personal setbacks. She
grapples with difficulties in finding employment as a writer, takes a job as a
middle school teacher, experiences failed romantic relationships, and becomes
a mother. Additionally, she deals with the death of her grandmother and the
cycle of abuse within her family. Despite these challenges, Reyna remains
determined to become a professional writer and build a loving home. She
achieves significant milestones like purchasing a house, joining a prestigious
writing program, meeting her dream man, and securing a book deal for her
first novel, "Across a Hundred Mountains." The memoir ends with an epilogue
outlining Reyna's life in the years following the publication of her book.
The plot of the memoir is not purely driven by physical action but is a mix of
physical and mental actions. It delves into Reyna's personal and emotional
struggles, her journey to find her identity and place in a new environment, as
well as her determination to pursue her dreams and overcome challenges.
Sub-plots in the memoir can be seen in the form of Reyna's personal
relationships, her family dynamics, and her professional aspirations. These
sub-plots add depth to the story, as they provide insight into the various facets
of her life beyond the main narrative of her educational and writing journey.
The plot is presented in chronological or time order. It follows the sequence of
events in Reyna's life from her university years to her post-university
experiences. The narrative moves forward in time, with occasional flashbacks
to earlier events, helping readers to understand her background and how it has
shaped her present circumstances. This chronological structure makes it
relatively easy to follow the story of her life and personal growth.
