Judith Ortiz Cofer Research Paper

Honors English 10-3 1 March 2024 The Double Life “Stellar stories patterned after oral tradition,” describes author, Judith Ortiz Cofer’s writings (Publisher Weekly). Judith Ortiz Cofer was born in Puerto Rico in 1952 and died in Georgia in 2016 (Elements of Literature 240). Her father was in the Navy and she visited New Jersey often during her childhood (Elements of Literature 240). Her grandparents were spiritists and they told her “cuentos” (stories), which inspired her writing career (Elements of Literature 240) (Cofer 30). Cofer became an English professor at the University of Georgia in 1984 (Elements of Literature 240) (“Retired UGA professor”). Her hard work earned her the 1991 PEN/Martha Albrand Special Citation for non-fiction and

Mesa Blanca spiritism is a common religion among mainland Puerto Ricans (“Espiritismo: The Case”). Cofer’s grandparents took part in this religion and told her stories while she stayed with them (Elements of Literature 240). These stories inspired Cofer’s writing career and influenced her writing. Her passion for writing started at a young age in her home country of Puerto Rico. J.M. Ortiz Lugo was a member of the U.S. Navy during Judith Ortiz Cofer’s upbringing in Acosta. Cofer experienced lengthy effects due to her father’s absence during her juvenile years. These effects of sorrow and loneliness are displayed in Cofer’s works. One of her poems, “My Father in the Navy” depicts his demeanor and the sensations her family experienced while awaiting his arrival. He was stationed in America, which caused his family to frequently travel to New Jersey to meet with him. “Catch the Moon”, one of her short stories, illustrates the story of Luis Cintron, a rebellious teen who works in his father’s junkyard and tends to conflict with his father. This can be compared to Cofer’s childhood, based on her view of her father depicted in her poem “My Father in the

She is survived by her husband, Charles John Cofer, her daughter, Tanya Cofer, and her grandson, Elias John Ruderfer (“Obituary for Judith”). She advocated for children with dual citizenship and absent fathers through her stories. The influence of her childhood, education, and family on her writing, especially “Catch the Moon” earned her numerous awards, and is still used to educate young scholars. “Quote about ctm” (last name). “Catch the Moon” by Judith Ortiz Cofer is accurately described in the above quote. “Catch the Moon” was published in 1995, and is included in textbooks such as Elements of Literature (StudySync). The short story educates children across America and includes Cofer’s multi-ethnic culture. “Catch the Moon” by Judith Ortiz Cofer is a literary masterpiece because of the intriguing plot, the culture of the characters, the rising emotions, and the literary devices used throughout the story. The story begins with Luis Cintron sitting on a pile of hubcaps in his father’s junkyard. Luis Cintron, a high school student, was just released from