1. Why did Denée Benton think she probably wouldn’t get the role of Natasha?
2.How did Denée Benton prepare herself for her future career at home and at school? Give examples.
3.What did Denée Benton see that made her know she was going to be a singer and actor? What promise(s) did she make to herself?
4.Use context clues to determine the meaning of narrative as it is used in the text. Write your definition of narrative here, explaining which clues helped you determine its meaning.
5.What do you think is the definition of intensified as it is used in the text? Write your definition of intensified here. Then, use a print or an online dictionary to verify your understanding.
The correct Answer and Explanation is:
1. Why did Denée Benton think she probably wouldn’t get the role of Natasha?
Denée Benton initially thought she wouldn’t get the role of Natasha because the character is typically portrayed as a white Russian aristocrat, and Benton, a Black actress, did not see many women of color cast in such roles. In the entertainment industry, there has historically been a lack of representation of minorities in leading roles, especially in parts traditionally associated with European characters. Benton likely assumed that the casting directors would favor someone who visually fit the stereotypical image of Natasha, which added to her uncertainty.
2. How did Denée Benton prepare herself for her future career at home and at school? Give examples.
Denée Benton prepared herself for her career as a singer and actor both at home and at school through a combination of passion, formal education, and exposure to the arts. At home, she grew up watching musicals, singing, and performing, which helped build her love for the stage. Her parents were supportive of her dreams, allowing her to immerse herself in the arts. At school, Benton took her training more seriously, attending an arts-focused school that allowed her to hone her acting, singing, and performance skills. These formative years provided her with the technical expertise and confidence to pursue a professional career.
3. What did Denée Benton see that made her know she was going to be a singer and actor? What promise(s) did she make to herself?
Denée Benton was inspired when she saw professional productions of musicals and plays, which solidified her desire to become a singer and actor. The power and emotion conveyed by the performers on stage left a profound impact on her, convincing her that she wanted to pursue a similar career. Benton made a promise to herself to work hard and pursue her dreams, despite any potential obstacles. This commitment to her passion helped her overcome challenges in the competitive entertainment industry.
4. Use context clues to determine the meaning of narrative as it is used in the text. Write your definition of narrative here, explaining which clues helped you determine its meaning.
The word “narrative” in the text refers to the storyline or sequence of events that are being described. From the context, we can infer that it relates to how a story or event is told, with a focus on the characters, plot, and themes involved. Clues such as the discussion of acting, storytelling, and portrayal of a character like Natasha help to clarify that “narrative” pertains to the overarching structure of the story. Therefore, a narrative can be defined as a representation of connected events, either fictional or factual, that are arranged in a sequence for an audience.
5. What do you think is the definition of intensified as it is used in the text? Write your definition of intensified here. Then, use a print or an online dictionary to verify your understanding.
In the text, intensified likely means to become stronger, more acute, or more powerful. Based on the context, it might describe how Denée Benton’s emotions, determination, or challenges grew more profound as she pursued her career. For example, her passion for acting could have intensified as she encountered both successes and struggles.
To verify, using an online dictionary, “intensified” means to make or become more intense or severe. The dictionary definition aligns with our contextual understanding of the word, indicating that an emotion, situation, or experience becomes heightened in its effect.
Detailed Explanation (300 words):
The word intensified means to grow in strength, power, or magnitude, often in response to a stimulus or situation. When used in a narrative or descriptive context, it suggests that something is building up in intensity, either in terms of emotional weight, pressure, or focus. For example, in Denée Benton’s case, her dedication to pursuing a career in the performing arts likely intensified as she became more involved in theater and music. This increase in passion could have been due to the realization of her potential or the challenges she faced in a competitive industry.
The context in which “intensified” is used often gives clues about its meaning. If the text describes someone’s emotions becoming more profound, such as growing frustration, determination, or excitement, it signals that the feeling is being amplified. Similarly, if a situation becomes more challenging or demanding, we could say that it has intensified.
In the context of performing arts, many aspiring actors experience heightened emotions as they approach significant milestones, such as auditions or critical performances. This can be understood as an emotional intensification, where one’s internal drive to succeed becomes more powerful in response to external pressures or expectations.
In summary, intensified refers to something growing stronger or more extreme, whether it’s an emotion, a situation, or a particular focus. The dictionary confirms this understanding, noting that it means to increase in intensity or become more severe.