Cathy Queen of Cats (from the House on Mango Street)

Cathy Queen of Cats

• This ‘vignette’ begins, ‘She says, I am the great great grand cousin of the queen of France.’ The ‘she’ refers to Cathy.
• What is your impression of Cathy?

Cathy Queen of Cats

• Recall the definition of 'inference' (or use notes):
• Inference: noun
• Infer: verb
• Reread the first half of page 12. Cisneros introduces us (the readers) to ‘Joe the baby-grabber.’ What can you infer about Joe? __________________
• And what were the clues given? _____________________
• (respond to both questions)

Cathy of Queen of Cats

• ‘Benny and Blanca own the corner store. They’re okay except don’t lean on the candy counter.’
• Cisneros writes with a distinct style that can be difficult for an English language learner or a reader who might be unaccustomed to unpoetic, or pragmatic writing. Can you rewrite this highlighted portion (above) so that it is more accurate?

Cathy Queen of Cats

• ‘Two girls raggedy as rats live across the street.’
• Which writing techniques or 'element of style’ does Cisneros use in this sentence? (to emphasize it, to make it stand out, or to create an image in our minds? ) ___________________

Cathy Queen of Cats

• On page 13, the first paragraph, which word is repeated multiple times? _________
• Is this repetition an example of ‘redundancy’? (remember the definition of redundancy?) IF not, what should you do before answering? :) AND EXPLAIN.

Cathy Queen of Cats

• Which sentence on page 13 supports the inference that Cathy likes to exaggerate and brag?

Cathy Queen of Cats

• Find an example of ALLITERATION in the last paragraph of page 13.

Cathy Queen of Cats

• What might Cathy’s family think of Mango Street and the neighborhood?

Cathy Queen of Cats

• Why do you think Cisneros would include this vignette ‘Cathy Queen of Cats’ in The House on Mango Street?
• And what do you think is the single most important message in all of this one? (just pgs 12-13)
• (respond to both)