by Cassidy Tran [Student FVHS]

"A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote (Cousin)

cptran105 — 2014-09-24 21:21:22 UTC

by Dustin Ngo and Cassidy Tran

Direct Characterization

2014-09-24 21:24:17 UTC

1. "A woman with shorn white hair is standing at the kitchen window. She is wearing tennis shoes and a shapeless gray sweater over a summery calico dress. She is small and sprightly, like a bantam hen; but, due to a long youthful illness, her shoulders are pitifully hunched. Her face is remarkable-- not unlike Lincoln's, craggy like that, and tinted by the sun and wind; but it is delicate too, finely boned, and her eyes are sherry-colored and timid." (P. 64)

2. "...she is sixty-something. We are cousins, very distant ones, and we have lived together--well, as long as I can remember. Other people in habit the house, relatives; and thought they have power over us, and frequently makes us cry, we are not, on the whole, too much aware of them. We are each other's best friend...She is still a child." (P. 64)

Indirect Characterization

cptran105 — 2014-09-24 21:33:53 UTC

1."Here are a few things she has done, does do: killed with a hoe the biggest rattlesnake ever seen in this county (sixteen rattles), dip snuff (secretly), tame hummingbirds (just try it) till they balance on her finger, tell ghost stories (we both believe in ghosts) so tingling they chill you in July, talk to herself, take walks in the rain, grow the prettiest japonicas in town, know the recipe for every sort of old-time Indian cure, including a magical wart-remover." (P. 66)

This passage indirectly describes Cousin as a laid-back and outgoing person. It is clearly shown that she is not afraid to try weird and different things. In addition, this describes her as a brave and strange person.

2."We huddle in bed, and she squeezes my hand I-love-you. 'Seems like your hand used to be so much smaller. I guess I hate to see you grow up. When you're grown up, will we still be friends?' I say always. 'But I feel so bad, Buddy. I wanted so bad to give you a bike. I tried to sell my cameo Papa gave me. Buddy--' she hesitates, as though embarrassed." (P. 71)

The passage above indirectly shows that Cousin is a caring and thoughtful person, and she loves Buddy a lot. Needless to say, it is obvious that Cousin would go to great lengths in order to please and maintain her friendship with Buddy.

Quote 1

dustinduyngo — 2014-09-25 00:44:29 UTC

"'I knew it before I got out of bed... The courthouse bell sounded so cold and clear. And there were no birds singing; they've gone to warmer country, yes indeed. Oh, Buddy, stop stuffing biscuit and fetch our buggy. Help me find my hat. We've thirty cakes to bake.'" (P. 64)

A. In the story, winter has just begun. Here, Cousin is explaining what happens as the season approaches. Additionally, because of the start of winter, it means that it is time for Buddy's and Cousin's annual tradition of baking fruitcakes.

B. This shows off Cousin's personality, being very observant and obviously showcases her age and maturity. However, at the same time, she is depicted as a carefree and fun-loving person.

Symbol of Character

cptran105 — 2014-09-25 03:54:52 UTC

In the story, Cousin, Buddy's relative and best friend, represents the goodness in people and happiness in tradition. She may also be depicted as the one person in everyone's life that they share a true bond with and can turn to no matter what. Her actions throughout the story truly displays her affectionate and kind personality. The traditions that she has kept with Buddy also illustrates a magnificent bond between the two. Cousin symbolizes the biggest piece of Buddy; she rightfully gained a spot in Buddy's favorite "Christmas memory." Just like Cousin's considerate and loving acts toward Buddy, the fruitcakes the two bake together and the kites they made for each other represent the unbreakable bond of their friendship.

Quote

cptran105 — 2014-09-25 03:55:18 UTC

"We use safety pins to attach these creations to the tree; as a final touch, we sprinkle the branches with shredded cotton...After weaving and ribboning holly wreaths for all the front windows, our next project is the fashioning of family gifts." (P. 70-71)

A. This passage continues to show Cousin's traditions with Buddy during the holiday season. Not only do the two make fruitcakes, but they also partake in activities such as getting and decorating a tree, adorning the house with garnishes, and making homemade gifts for their loved ones.

B. Cousin's characteristics are also displayed in this passage. She is shown as a creative and adventurous type when it comes to decorating for the holiday season. Additionally, Cousin is depicted as a jolly and festive person. It may also be interpreted that she is determined and loving because of the effort she puts into keeping her tradition with her best friend alive.