Vignette ProjectThe House on Mango Street

Skills PracticedCorrect use of prepositions among and

between

Subject and verb agreement

Use of colon to introduce clarifying idea

Practice SentencesDiscussions took place between many literary

critics and some of the results was productive.

During the twentieth century, modern Hispanic literature began to appear that reflected the Mexican-American plight poverty and isolation in America.

AnswersDiscussions took place among many literary

critics, and some of the results were productive.

During the twentieth century, modern Hispanic literature began to appear that reflected the Mexican-American plight: poverty and isolation in America.

What to doVignette writing is a

compilation of snapshot

memories, like those found in The House on Mango Street.

VignettesSnapshot memories

are fairly short but very specific.

Each vignette is rich in detail and description.

VignetteIt differs from

writing an autobiography in

which you start with your birth and work chronologically telling the reader

about your life.

It also differs from a biography,

because it does not tell a story of the events or observations of the events.

Vignette An important part of

the memoir vignette is your stated or implied message about why a memory is important enough to share.

In other words, answer the question, “What

difference does it make?”

Writing a vignette

You will be writing your own vignettes. The snapshot memories you choose must be important enough to be shared.

They are memories that are important to you.

They matter. 

Assignment

You will write your own The House on

Mango Street–style booklet.

AssignmentYou will want to

include strong verbs, sensory details and figurative

language.

Your goal will be to bring the memory to life so that the reader can be

in the moment with you.

AssignmentIn addition, the style must

mirror that of Sandra Cisneros.

In the end you will choose and write a minimum of eight (for C) and a maximum (for A) of ten vignettes.

You may use some of your class writing assignments as spring boards for your vignettes.

SpecificationsBound booklet format

(must be in a folder, stapled or some other book-making method).

Submitted in legible font no larger than 14 pt.

Cover must include: The House on _____ (street, road, and/or avenue), your name, and a graphic representing the work.

Specifications

Table of contents (lists the titles of the vignettes included)

Contents House on _____________(required) Where I grew up

story  Your name (required) who you were named after,

like don’t like name, First day of school story (required) elementary

school, new school) 

Rite of passage (required) realizing you are growing up

  Pain story (required) someone hurt you, you hurt

someone, argument  Weather (optional) tornadoes, hot days, snow

storms, etc  Physical Hurt story (optional) broken bones,

stitches, bee stings  Holiday story (optional) tradition, no Santa?,

best/worst birthday 

Caught ‘ya story (optional) cheating, lying, writing a letter

  Funny family story (optional)

Ones often told and retold at gatherings

Friendship story (optional) a friend lost, found, maintained

My future (required) realist or dreamer-will you ever leave or return

Content

Included within the booklet should be at least one more graphic.

ContentsBack page-critical

acclaim –one paragraph that mirrors any of the ones on the back of the book.

You can include a picture of yourself, and it will count as your second graphic.

DON’T FORGETFocus correction sheet

Other requirementsInclude throughout your vignettes at least ten strong

sensory words.Include at least two fresh similes or metaphors

Cisneros- style.In at least one vignette, use fragments for a purpose.Include at least two examples of onomatopoeia

within your vignettes.In at least one vignette, create positive connotation

through word choice.In at least one vignette, demonstrate negative

connotation through word choice.

Extra Credit OpportunityTo earn a free 100%

redeemable on future participation or homework assignments, you must submit the project on the due date.

Your parent or guardian must read the

vignettes, write a comment and sign his or her name on the focus correction sheet.

Due: