Question

The writer Angelo Pellegrini has recalled his own family’s detention at Ellis Island:We lived there for three days – Mother and we five children, the youngest of whom was three years old. Because of the rigorous physical examination that we had to submit to, particularly of the eyes, there was this terrible anxiety that one of us might be rejected. And if one of us was, what would the rest of the family do? My sister was indeed momentarily rejected; she had been so ill and had cried so much that her eyes were absolutely bloodshot, and Mother was told, "Well, we can’t let her in." But fortunately, Mother was an indomitable spirit and finally made them understand that if her child had a few hours’ rest and a little bit to eat she would be all right. In the end we did get through.Most immigrants passed through Ellis Island in about one day. Carrying all their worldly possessions, they left the examination hall and waited on the dock for the ferry that would take them to Manhattan, a mile away. Some of them still faced long journeys overland before they reached their final destination. Others would head directly for the teeming immigrant neighborhoods of New York City.Which line from the excerpt is an example of a quotation?

Answer 1

The quotation from the excerpt is "Well, we can’t let her in," indicating the stringent entry requirements immigrants faced at Ellis Island. About 2% of immigrants were turned away, reflecting the challenging conditions and anxiety experienced by those seeking a new life in the United States.

Step-by-step explanation:

The line from the excerpt that is an example of a quotation is "Well, we can’t let her in," which reflects direct speech from an authority figure discussing the potential rejection of one of Angelo Pellegrini's siblings at Ellis Island due to redness in her eyes from being sick. This account gives insight into the rigorous inspections and the anxiety experienced by many families. Ellis Island functioned as the gateway for millions of immigrants, where they underwent medical and legal inspections which, for the majority, was their first step towards a hopeful new life in America. However, immigrants like the Pellegrini family faced the daunting possibility of separation upon arrival because of these strict entry requirements.

Through these excerpts, we learn about the different experiences of immigrants. Many third-class passengers faced rigorous medical examinations, particularly for diseases like trachoma, and stringent legal questioning at Ellis Island. The journey and inspection process was fraught with fears of deportation and separation, especially since about 2% of arriving immigrants were denied entry based on health or legal grounds. Conversely, immigrants that traveled first or second class could bypass the strenuous Ellis Island inspections, reflecting socio-economic disparities of the time.

Overall, these stories contribute to our understanding of the challenges faced by new immigrants, encompassing struggles with language barriers, adapting to new customs, and finding work upon arrival. Immigrant neighborhoods played a crucial role in providing a familiar cultural oasis within the vast American landscape, preserving their heritage and offering a sense of community among fellow countrymen.