Question

Smith wrote a tree grows in brooklyn to inform others about what it was like growing up in a small neighborhood in brooklyn in the early 1900s. in one chapter, she recalls "with a peculiar tenderness" how brooklynites celebrated thanksgiving (smith 1). smith's use of cultural terminology, such as "ragamuffin" or "slamming gates," helps the reader better understand the language used by children in the williamsburg neighborhood at that point in history.

Answer 1

The question seeks analysis of Betty Smith's use of cultural terminology in 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' to provide insights into early 1900s Brooklyn, with a nod to Smith's creative ethos and representation of Black experiences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question seems to deal with a mix of literature analysis and history, focusing on the cultural terminology used by Betty Smith in 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' to help readers understand the language and experiences of children in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn in the early 1900s. The materials mentioned in the passages, such as the use of wood, plywood, corrugated tin, and paint, provide a glimpse into the resourceful and artistic practices of Smith, evocative of African masks and the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Additionally, the passage from the text hints at the ethos employed by Smith, using his personal experience to connect with a broader audience and emphasize the need for diverse representation of Black lives in media.