the jacket essay

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Discrimination — The Jacket By Gary Soto Summary

The Jacket by Gary Soto Summary

• Categories: Discrimination

About this sample

Words: 564 |

Published: Mar 5, 2024

Words: 564 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Social Issues

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 600 words

3 pages / 1583 words

2 pages / 1081 words

2 pages / 1131 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Discrimination

In Raymond Carver's short story "Cathedral," the author effectively uses an unlikely scenario - a casual interaction between the narrator and a blind man - to comment on racial discrimination, prejudices, and stereotypes. The [...]

Media exposure influences attitudes and behaviors towards out-groups. Barlow and Sibley (2018) suggest that the media can promote pro-social behaviors and reduce racist behaviors. Media characters can provide viewers with [...]

In today's competitive job market, companies often prioritize the appearance and image of their employees as a part of their brand strategy. This practice, commonly known as "going for the look," involves hiring individuals [...]

Colourism is an intricate and deeply rooted issue that continues to affect societies around the world. It involves the discrimination or preferential treatment of individuals based on their skin tone, often favoring lighter [...]

In a world where education is often taken for granted, the story of Malala Yousafzai serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of knowledge and courage. "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb is a [...]

In a world where access to affordable health care is a pressing issue for many individuals and families, the need for comprehensive solutions has never been more urgent. As the cost of medical treatments and insurance premiums [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Study Like a Boss

The Jacket, Gary Soto

In “The Jacket” Gary Soto uses symbolism to reflect on the characterization and development of the narrarator. Soto seems to focus mainly on a jacket, which has several meanings throughout the story. The jacket is used as a symbol to portray poverty, the narrarators insecurity, and the narrarator’s form of self-destruction. Since the story uses a certain object, the Jacket, as the meaning of several issues, it primarily focuses on the narrarator’s poverty-stricken family.

First of all, an example of the poverty is demonstrated when the narrarator complains that the jacket “was so ugly and big that I knew I’d have to wear it a long time”(paragraph 3). It is clear that his lack of money was a problem in which he would have to keep the jacket because he could not afford a new one. The narrarator then feels embarrassed and upset by the jacket by stating “I blame my mother for her bad taste and cheap ways”(paragraph 10). By mentioning his mother’s “cheap” ways he is conveying that he is aggravated because of his mothers option to choose bad and ugly clothes in order to save money.

A final way that the jacket is used as a symbol for poverty is implicit when a dog in the story tears the jacket and the narrarator “… Scotch taped it close but in rain or cold weather the tape peeled off like a scab and more stuffing came out”(paragraph 10). The fact that the narrarator could not fix the torn part of the jacket can indicate that his family is struggling to afford money for themselves. These certain examples help portray the issues of poverty that the narrarator’s family struggles. The Jacket symbolizes poverty as well as the narrarator’s insecurity throughout the story.

An example of the insecurity that is demonstrated in the story is mentioned when the narrarator’s teachers were of “no help, they looked [his] way and talked about how foolish [he] looked in [his] new jacket” (paragraph 7). The narrarator feels insecure because of his assumptions that his teachers are making fun of him when in fact, they are not noticing him at all. Further more, he continues to say, “At lunchtime I stayed with the ugly boys leaned against the chain link fence… our mouths” (paragraph 9).

This statement proves the narrarator is having bad luck because of the jacket and is destroying his reputation at school. A third reason why the jacket symbolizes insecurity is because the fact that his classmates see him with the jacket, he feels that they “…say out loud “man that’s ugly”, I heard the buzz-buzz of gossip and even laughter” (paragraph 7). Just as he felt the same as he did in the teacher situation, he feels the jacket is something that makes himself like a joke and increases his insecurity.

Self- Destruction is a final meaning for the symbolism of the jacket which helps the character develop himself in the story . When the narrarator felt that the jacket was ruining his life, he claimed “I ran outside, ready to cry, and climbed the tree by the alley to think bad thoughts” (paragraph 10). His bad thoughts were of embarrassment and shame all brought on by the idea of having this certain jacket. Another example was when he had gotten upset and he had thrown the jacket down and he later “…swiped the jacket off the ground and went inside to drape it across [his] leg and started to mope” (paragraph 11).

Showing aggravation towards an object shows his frustration towards himself, realizing that he cannot accept the person he has become with the jacket. Finally, when the narrarator states “I spent my sixth-grade year in a tree waiting for something good to happen to me in that jacket” (paragraph 10). The narrarator’s expectation to feel useful in the jacket is what makes him happy. In conclusion, Gary Soto realizes that without the symbolism of the jacket, there really would be no meaning to the story . His use of poverty, insecurity, and self-destruction of the narrarator is what makes the story complete.

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Related posts:

• Literary Analysis of The Grandfather by Gary Soto
• The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
• Cinema Combat: Braveheart vs. Full Metal Jacket
• In this Culture
• Norman Mailer’s book The Executioner’s Song
• Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
• Ragged Dick By Horatio Alger Analysis Essay
• Chillingworth: a Man of Evil
• Canada’s Copyright Law
• The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
• Key Facts about Steppenwolf
• The Haunting of Hill House
• Key Facts About The Things They Carried
• The Sun Also Rises, The characters in the book

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Literature Gary Soto

Clothing as Symbolism of Poverty in Gary Soto's "The Jacket"

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• The Wife of His Youth
• The Things They Carried
• For Whom The Bell Tolls

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

The Jacket by Gary Soto - Text Based Evidence, Text Analysis Essay Writing Unit

• Google Apps™

Also included in

Description

Teaching how to write a literary analysis essay citing text evidence for "The Jacket" by Gary Soto has never been easier! This in-depth text dependent analysis (TDA) writing prompt resource guides students through a step-by-step process of writing an expository essay with textual evidence as support. It includes an expository writing graphic organizer , rubric, expository writing quiz , and an expository writing template .

All aspects of text evidence writing are covered in this resource: brainstorming ideas , developing a thesis statement , introducing supporting evidence , writing hooks and leads , and incorporating the 6 Traits of Writing ™.

The video, slide show, graphic organizer, worksheets, writing template, and rubric allow students to practice and develop their expository writing skills. The writing quiz reinforces guided note-taking techniques when used in conjunction with the instructional video. The detailed lesson plans make implementing informative writing easy for teachers.

The lesson can be used in class, assigned for distance learning, or given as independent student work. The instructional video with writing tutorial and template can also be presented as whole class instruction or assigned for students to complete at home.

Each resource listed below is included in Google Drive™ and print format.

*****************************************************************************************

This Citing Text Evidence Expository / Informative writing prompt lesson includes:

Entertaining Instructional Video with:

• Brainstorming ideas
• Prompt identification and comprehension
• Thesis statement development
• Rubric explanation
• How to Write an Expository Essay tutorial and writing template
• How to Write an Expository Essay writing quiz / guided note-taking

"The Jacket" by Gary Soto Detailed Lesson Plan with:

• Common Core State Standards indicated on lesson plan
• Instructional Focus
• Instructional Procedures
• Objectives/Goals
• Direct Instruction
• Guided Practice
• Differentiation
• ESE Strategies
• ELL Strategies
• I Can Statement
• Essential Question

"The Jacket" by Gary Soto Worksheets with:

• Brainstorming section

"The Jacket" by Gary Soto PowerPoint Presentation with:

• Introduction slide with prompt (interactive for students to identify key vocabulary)
• Brainstorming slide (interactive for students to list ideas)
• Standard and implied thesis development slides
• How to Write an Expository Essay tutorial and writing template slides
• Checklist slide

Expository Writing Quiz

Expository Rubric

Expository Graphic Organizer

Google Slides ™

Check out my other Middle School Text Based Analysis Writing Prompts:

• Text Analysis Writing Prompts

Connect with me for the latest Write On! with Jamie news:

• Write On! with Jamie Blog
• FB Community for 6-12 ELA Teachers

. . . and visit my WRITE ON! with Jamie website  for a free TEXT EVIDENCE WRITING LESSON! 

© Google Inc.™ All rights reserved. Google™ and the Google Logo are registered trademarks of Google Inc.™ Write On! with Jamie® is an independent company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google Inc.™

Terms of Use

Copyright © Write On! with Jamie. All rights reserved by author. All components of this product are to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited unless additional licenses are purchased. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this product are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.

Questions & Answers

Write on with jamie.

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

The Jacket By Gary Soto Summary

“The Jacket,” by Gary Soto tells the story of fifteen-year-old Tony Mendez living in a California ghetto. The book begins with Tony hearing that his friend had been stabbed defending him against bullies at school. The principal of the high school calls Tony’s father to let him know what happened and the police are called. The police officer comes to their house to talk with Tony, who is lying in bed trying not to show what happened. The officer asks Tony if he knows the boy who was stabbed, but Tony lies and says no.

The book goes on to detail Tony’s struggles both at school and at home. The worst part of his day begins when he walks into his house and hears his stepfather Johnny, yelling at his mother. The story ends with Tony going on a walk with his new friend Brandy, where she comforts him by telling him that she understands what it’s like to have a difficult family life. Gary Soto is an American author of fiction and poetry for young adults. ” The Jacket ” is one of his first books which was published in 1987.

The book has been noted for its realistic portrayal of the struggles of Mexican-American adolescence living in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The book also deals with the issues of violence among youth, drug dealing and gang mentality as well as alcoholism and domestic violence between family members such as parents and stepparents or children and their stepparents. The book has been commended for its bluntness and lack of preaching, as well as its use of the first-person narrative voice for a young male character.

The novel was adapted into a film of the same name starring Brad Renfro as Tony Mendez in 1997 . The story deals with many social problems such as child abuse, bullying, peer pressure to join gangs, violence, drugs and alcoholism. The Jacket is about a fifteen-year-old boy named Tony who lives in California’s San Joaquin Valley with his family that he describes as a very dysfunctional family on both sides. His father is an alcoholic that likes to beat him and his only sibling’s mother only stays because she does not want her children living without a mother figure.

The book is about a rough time in Tony’s life where two of his friends have been stabbed and he was being blamed for it even though he did not do it. The book is also about his sister finally leaving for college, him getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, and trying to avoid his alcoholic father from killing him. The book has some physical abuse but mostly mental abuse that really endangers Tony’s life. The theme of the story is that you should never give somebody else power over your happiness.

The Jacket was a very good book with a lot of excitement all throughout it. The only bad part was when Johnny would beat Tony up which made me want to stop reading this book because I didn’t like how he treated him. The Jacket was a book that had a lot of social problems in it that are still happening today. The family Tony is living with all has serious drinking problems and their step-father beats them when they get out of line.

The brother is also drinking with his friends one night after getting into a fight with somebody at school, so he gets really drunk too which leads to him being arrested the next day. The drugs in this story are mostly alcohol though but there were some instances where hashish was mentioned so I’m not exactly sure if it’s the same thing as marijuana with different names but I know for sure they were both illegal then just like they are now. The Jacket is an amazing book that people should read because it has great detail and keeps you wanting to read more and more.

The main character Tony is a very strong person to handle the things he has been through in his life. The book The Jacket is an amazing book about a boy who goes through all types of problems such as family issues and social problems like bullying and peer pressure. The story The Jacket is about a boy named Tony Mendez living in California with both sides of his family that drink too much and fight constantly, while dealing with having friends get stabbed, joining gangs and trying not to get beat up by his alcoholic father.

The Jacket was written by Gary Soto which is about a Mexican-American boy growing up during the 1960s where there were many racial tensions between whites and Latinos so it makes sense why the book The Jacket has all of these social issues that I never heard about in my life. The main conflict for Tony is that he does not want to be part of the gangs but his friends are pressuring him into it because they are afraid to go by themselves, also when Johnny tries to convince Tony into smoking hashish which puts him in a very dangerous situation because if somebody finds out he will get arrested or beaten up depending on who finds out.

The setting takes place mostly in Fresno, California where Tony lives with his family where all the characters in The Jacket speak in an informal way like “you see” instead of “see you” which shows how rough their English accents are and they even use words that hardly anyone uses anymore like ‘ain’t’ and ‘git. ‘ The Jacket was a very good book with a lot of excitement all throughout it. The only bad part was when Johnny would beat Tony up which made me want to stop reading this book because I didn’t like how he treated him. The Jacket was a book that had a lot of social problems in it that are still happening today.

The family Tony is living with all has serious drinking problems and their step-father beats them when they get out of line. The brother is also drinking with his friends one night after getting into a fight with somebody at school, so he gets really drunk too which leads to him being arrested the next day. The drugs in this story are mostly alcohol though but there were some instances where hashish was mentioned so I’m not exactly sure if it’s the same thing as marijuana with different names but I know for sure they were both illegal then just like they are now.

The Jacket is an amazing book that people should read because it has great detail and keeps you wanting to read more and more. The main character Tony is a very strong person to handle the things he has been through in his life. The book The Jacket is an amazing book about a boy who goes through all types of problems such as family issues and social problems like bullying and peer pressure.

More Essays

• Kayleen Soto Research Paper
• The Blame Game Analysis Essay
• The Other Wes Analysis Essay
• The Other Wes Moore Essay
• Summary Of William Faulkner’s A Rose For Emily Essay
• Essay about Chapter Summary In Faulkner’s ‘A Rose For Emily’
• Boys And Girls By Alice Munro Summary
• Summary Of The Glass Castle By Jeannette Walls Essay
• A Brief Summary Of Yaneks Death Essay
• Summary Of In The Time Of The Butterflies By Julia Alvarez Essay

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

The Jacket Gary Soto

Related Papers

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

34 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

How has reading The Jacket helped you identify your own implicit biases? What factors helped create those biases, and what is the most important step you can take to start overcoming the beliefs you’ve internalized as a result? How is Phil’s character arc helpful in overcoming implicit bias, and what lessons have you learned from Phil’s journey?

By the end of the book, Phil’s dad has not acknowledged or tried to overcome his biases. Why do you think the author chose to leave this character biased? What messages does Phil’s dad send about discussing bias with adults? How do you think it would go if Phil confronted his dad about his bias?

In Chapter 5, Daniel’s grandmother intentionally code-switches when she addresses Phil’s dad. What did this moment teach you about changing ourselves to make others more comfortable? Are there situations where code-switching could be harmful? Are there situations where code-switching could be helpful?

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Related Titles

By Andrew Clements

A Week in the Woods

Andrew Clements

Extra Credit

Lunch Money

The Friendship War

The Landry News

The Losers Club

The Report Card

The School Story

Things Not Seen

Featured Collections

Books on Justice & Injustice

View Collection

Brothers & Sisters

Realistic Fiction (Middle Grade)

Have an account?

"The Jacket" by Gary Soto... Graded

6th - 7th grade.

30 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

How does the author say that he looked in the jacket?

out of style

The jacket first got damaged when the author -

played with the dog

was pushed down

played kickball

threw it over a fence

"Girls who had been friendly blew away like loose flowers to follow the boys in neat jackets."

personification

When the author wore the jacket, girls who had once been friendly to him began to -

follow boys in neat jackets

laugh at him to his face

cause him to fail spelling tests

tell him the jacket was ugly

The author was so embarrassed by the jacket that he -

teased the dog

took it off in the cold

put grass in his mouth

threw his books on his bed

According to the author, what color is his jacket?

the color of broccoli

the color of the sky

the color of guacamole

the color of his boots

To show his tone toward the jacket at the end of the essay, the author compares it to -

a peeling scab

the necks of turtles

a green, ugly brother

a cup of crooked dice

"I stood in front of the mirror, full face, then profile , and then looked over my shoulder."

rear view of an object

side view of an object

overhead view of an object

distant view of an object

"...leaned against the chainlink fence and looked around with propellers of grass spinning." -

tools used to climb mountains

machines used to clean clothes

blades that help move and object

tools used to build machines

"...the tape peeled off like a scab and more stuffing fell out until that sleeve shriveled ..."

to shrink or wrinkle

to break into a billion pieces

to disappear like David Copperfield

"When I played hard, read quietly, or took vicious spelling tests at school."

severe or fierce

What happened to the jacket when Gary Soto teased Brownie, his dog?

Large pieces of material fell off.

One of the sleeves tore.

The tape began to peel off.

it changed color

Which event did Soto imagine happened on the first day he wore the jacket?

He got a bad grade on his math quiz.

Frankie T. pushed him down at recess.

Steve Negrete ate an apple in front of him.

The teachers talked about how foolish he looked.

Soto was so embarrassed by the jacket that he -

sat on his hands to warm them

teased Brownie, his dog

played kickball in his thin shirt

peeled the tape from it

Soto blamed the jacket for his -

family's poverty

lack of love

brother's meanness

sister's better jacket

Soto's mother probably told him about the children in Mexico who would love the jacket to -

remind him that others were worse off than he

tell him how much she missed her homeland

explain why his sister's jacket was better

blame him for damaging the jacket

When Soto compares the jacket to a brother, you understand that he -

has accepted the jacket

loves the jacket

is jealous of the jacket

will soon lose the jacket

What is the central idea of "The Jacket"?

A young boy is embarrassed by his traditional Mexican family.

A young boy gets rejected by girls because he's ugly.

A young boy loses his father and is thrown into poverty.

A young boy hates the only jacket his mother can afford for him.

What is the theme, or moral lesson, of "The Jacket"?

The way you dress influences how you feel about yourself.

Everyone has had a bad fashion day.

Mothers should be more considerate of their children's feelings when dressing them.

If you don't wear fancy clothes, you won't make fancy friends.

Which of the following best supports the answer to the theme of "The Jacket"?

"During the morning recess Frankie T., the playground terrorist, pushed me to the ground and told me to stay there until recess was over."

"I threw it on my brother’s bed and looked at it for a long time before I slipped it on and went out to the backyard, smiling a “thank you” to my mom as I passed her in the kitchen."

"And so I went, in my guacamole-colored jacket. So embarrassed, so hurt, I couldn’t even do my homework. I received Cs on quizzes, and forgot the state capitals and the rivers of South America, our friendly neighbor. Even the girls who had been friendly blew away like loose flowers to follow the boys in neat jackets."

"I blame my mother for her bad taste and her cheap ways."

All of the following are settings in "The Jacket" EXCEPT:

Gary's house

A playground

Supermarket

What can the reader infer about Gary based on his actions in "The Jacket"?

He gets along well with his brothers and sisters.

He isn't confident.

He makes enemies easily.

He doesn't care what anyone thinks of him.

How would the story be different if Gary's family wasn't poor?

Gary wouldn't be spoiled.

Gary's mom could've afforded the jacket he wanted.

Gary wouldn't care what others thought of him.

The playground terrorist would leave Gary alone.

Why does Gary call the jacket "a green ugly brother"?

Because he hates the jacket and he hates his brother.

Both the jacket and his brother are ugly.

Both the jacket and his brother are annoyances he must accept.

The jacket is green and his brother loves the Hulk.

What is the most LIKELY reason Gary had no friends in 6th grade?

He purposefully isolated himself because he was ashamed of his jacket.

No one wanted to be friends with him because they were afraid of getting ugly cooties.

The girls thought he wasn't cute.

They were afraid the playground terrorist would come after them, too.

What piece of advice would you give Gary?

You are what you wear.

The man makes the jacket.

Always lie to your mother to make her feel better.

Give ugly jackets to Goodwill and just be cold.

What does Mr.Soto mean by his clothes having “failed” him?

"My clothes have failed me."

they tore apart

they didn't pass a test

they didn't do what he wanted them to do

they caught fire and were a fire hazard

2. What are the first two Details that Mr. Soto remembers about this jacket?

"I remember the green coat that I wore in fifth and sixth grade when you either danced like a champ or pressed yourself against a greasy wall, bitter as a penny toward the happy couples.

When I needed a new jacket and my mother asked what kind I wanted, I described something like bikers wear: black leather and silver studs, with enough belts to hold down a

small town. We were in the kitchen, steam on the windows from her cooking. She listened so long while stirring dinner that I thought she understood for sure the kind I wanted. The next day when I got home from school, I discovered draped on my bedpost a jacket the color of day-old guacamole. I threw my books on the bed and approached the jacket slowly, as if it were a stranger whose hand I had to shake. I touched the vinyl sleeve, the collar, and peeked

at the mustard-colored lining. "

A. color and size

B. color and price

C. when he wore it and its size

D. when he wore it and its color

4. What word choice best shows Mr. Soto’s view of the jacket going from bad to worse?

D. thinking

17. What is the jacket a symbol/reminder of for Gary?

A. his loss of female friends

B. his family’s economic status when he was a child

C. his like or dislike of avocados/guacamole

Explore all questions with a free account

Continue with email

Continue with phone

The Jacket Essay

Academic anxiety?

Get original paper in 3 hours and nail the task

124 experts online

In “The JacketGary Soto uses symbolism to reflect on the characterization and development of the narrarator.

Soto seems to focus mainly on a jacket, which has several meanings throughout the story. The jacket is used as a symbol to portray poverty, the narrarators insecurity, and the narrarator’s form of self-destruction. Since the story uses a certain object, the Jacket, as the meaning of several issues, it primarily focuses on the narrarator’s poverty-stricken family. First of all, an example of the poverty is demonstrated when the narrarator complains that the jacket “was so ugly and big that I knew I’d have to wear it a long time”(paragraph 3). It is clear that his lack of money was a problem in which he would have to keep the jacket because he could not afford a new one. The narrarator then feels embarrassed and upset by the jacket by stating “I blame my mother for her bad taste and cheap ways”(paragraph 10).

By mentioning his mother’s “cheap” ways he is conveying that he is aggravated because of his mothers option to choose bad and ugly clothes in order to save money. A final way that the jacket is used as a symbol for poverty is implicit when a dog in the story tears the jacket and the narrarator “… Scotch taped it close but in rain or cold weather the tape peeled off like Gonzalez 2a scab and more stuffing came out”(paragraph 10). The fact that the narrarator could not fix the torn part of the jacket can indicate that his family is struggling to afford money for themselves. These certain examples help portray the issues of poverty that the narrarator’s family struggles. The Jacket symbolizes poverty as well as the narrarator’s insecurity throughout the story.

An example of the insecurity that is demonstrated in the story is mentioned when the narrarator’s teachers were of “no help, they looked his way and talked about how foolish he looked in his new jacket” (paragraph 7). The narrarator feels insecure because of his assumptions that his teachers are making fun of him when in fact, they are not noticing him at all. Further more, he continues to say, “At lunchtime I stayed with the ugly boys leaned against the chain link fence… our mouths” (paragraph 9). This statement proves the narrarator is having bad luck because of the jacket and is destroying his reputation at school. A third reason why the jacket symbolizes insecurity is because the fact that his classmates see him with the jacket, he feels that they “…say out loud “man that’s ugly”, I heard the buzz-buzz of gossip and even laughter” Gonzalez 3(paragraph 7).

Just as he felt the same as he did in the teacher situation, he feels the jacket is something that makes himself like a joke and increases his insecurity. Self- Destruction is a final meaning for the symbolism of the jacket which helps the character develop himself in the story. When the narrarator felt that the jacket was ruining his life, he claimed “I ran outside, ready to cry, and climbed the tree by the alley to think bad thoughts” (paragraph 10). His bad thoughts were of embarrassment and shame all brought on by the idea of having this certain jacket. Another example was when he had gotten upset and he had thrown the jacket down and he later “…swiped the jacket off the ground and went inside to drape it across his leg and started to mope” (paragraph 11). Showing aggravation towards an object shows his frustration towards himself, realizing that he cannot accept the person he has become with the jacket.

Finally, when the narrarator states “I spent my sixth-grade year in a tree waiting for something good to happen to me in that jacket” (paragraph 10). The narrarator’s expectation to feel useful in the jacket is what makes him happy. In conclusion, Gary Soto realizes that without the symbolism of the jacket, there really would be no meaning Gonzalez 4to the story. His use of poverty, insecurity, and self-destruction of the narrarator is what makes the story complete.

English Essays

This essay was written by a fellow student. You may use it as a guide or sample for writing your own paper, but remember to cite it correctly . Don’t submit it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism.

Need custom essay sample written special for your assignment?

Choose skilled expert on your subject and get original paper with free plagiarism report

The Jacket Essay. (2019, Jan 08). Retrieved from https://artscolumbia.org/the-jacket-essay-67250/

More related essays

Why Learn History Essay (4920 words)

Cold Case: The Poverty Files (2376 words)

• Words 15854

AP Art History 250 Required Images

Redeeming La Raza by Gabriela Gonzalez

Gary Soto’s Guilt Essay (638 words)

Essay About Variety and Quantity of Food

‘The divisions of society’s povety classes’ Essay

Google Case Report (1701 words)

• Words 22589

The Values of the Invisible Man Essay

Hi, my name is Amy 👋

In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.

Accessibility Links

Stephen King on Baby Reindeer: ‘One of the best things I’ve ever seen’

Challenge yourself with today’s puzzles.

I was in the drugstore last week, buying snacks, when an acquaintance asked me if I had seen Baby Reindeer . He said it blew him away. This guy was in his mid-sixties, and I couldn’t imagine him watching a kids’ cartoon, so I asked him what it was about. First, he said, it wasn’t a kids’ cartoon. Second, in his opinion it made Misery , both the book I wrote and the movie, look like a kids’ cartoon.

So, like 13.3 million other Netflix subscribers, I tried it and found myself sucked in, unable to look away. My first thought was to thank God my novel came first, or people would assume I’d stolen it from Richard Gadd, who wrote and produced the seven-episode

Related articles