Share your literary essay with the rest of the students that chose this short story. Take some time to read 2 or 3 other essays. Comment on them. Your comment should be about something you noticed them doing well from our lessons. For example, "You did a really good job explaining your evidence."
“Eraser Tattoo” by Jason Reynold is a short story about Shay and Dante being best friends since kids. Falling in love and Shay having to move away. So Shay have Dante an Eraser Tattoo of her first name initial. She really loved him and didn’t want to leave. She was leaving that day. They were really sad to be saying goodbye, but they knew it wouldn’t last forever. It shows love can last through tough things.
ReplyDeleteShe had just started sketching it out. “Yeah… and, just so you know… um… it's starting to burn.” Dante said and Shay replied with “Am I not worth the pain?” Therefore this is an important parts of the story because of how he lets her give him a tattoo and how he talks to her so softly. He doesn’t want to lose her from her moving away.
The skin had just broke Shay asked if it hurt and he said only a little. “Dante lied. It hurt like hell. Like someone was trying to strike a match on his flesh.” For one thing by him lying to her he spared her feelings. He really cares about her and doesn’t want her to be bothered by it. The way he talks to her is so sweet like she is very fragile and like their relationship could end in the snap of a finger.
Another key point is figurative language. In this case it is a hyperbole, Dante states “He thought his heart would split in half.” He is exaggerating to make it seem like a bigger deal. Shay was leaving for a while. His best friend, his girlfriend, far away. He was trying to think of how and when he can go and see her.
In other words there's imagery. “They’d been sitting on the stoop for a while, watching cars pull out and new cars pull in.” Instead of like talking or crying, they just sit together and watch the cars. There relationship is so close to perfection and not a lot of drama.
At the end Dante stated “He knew the sting wouldn’t last forever. But the scar would.” It’s a symbol because the long distance wouldn’t last forever, but their relationship will. He knew the sting wouldn’t last forever, but the tattoo will. This could be interpreted as not being safe but clearly means the long distance won’t last forever but the relationship will because of how he words it. He words the last 2 sentences so it will take you a second to think what it means but after you read it once or twice you understand what it means.
In the Eraser Tattoo a short story by Jason Reynolds a girl named Shay is moving to a different town. Shay is moving away from her boyfriend and bestfriend Dante. Dante wants something to remember her by that will last forever. So Shay gives him an eraser tattoo in the shape of a S.
ReplyDeleteIn the story Shay and Dante have a secret handshake. Two claps, a pound, one clap, a dap. Then an ¨I love you¨ from each of them. That part of the story shows that they have always loved each other and been best friends.
While Shay was giving Dante an eraser tattoo they were talking about the first time they loved each other more than friends, to distract Dante from the pain. Dante said that he loved Shay more than a friend. Then Shay said ”no doubt homie.” In the story Dante said that he was crushed, but then Shay ran up behind him and pinched his butt. After that Dante knew that she loved him to. That's how they found out they loved each other more than friends.
While Shay is giving Dante the eraser tattoo she notices that Dante is wincing and closing his eyes in pain. Shay asks Dante if it burns and he says no. But, Shay can see right through him and see that he is in pain. Later, Dante says that it’s burning. Shay asks him if she is not worth the pain. Dante then says that it doesn't hurt that much. In this case, Dante is saying this because he doesn’t want to hurt Shay’s feelings and make her feel bad.
Later Shay asks if it hurts and Dante responds with a little. When really it felt like someone is trying to strike a match to his flesh. In other words, it’s letting us picture what Dante is going through for Shay. Dante is going through all that pain just so he can always have something to remember Shay by.
The title Eraser Tattoo means more than the fact that Shay gives Dante an eraser tattoo. I think that the scar represents their love and how the pain of Shay leaving wouldn’t last forever but their love would. In my opinion, I think that the title symbolises their love for eachother, and how both their love and the eraser tattoo will last forever.
At the end of the story, before Shay leaves Dante gives her a hug and says that he loves her. Shay says “no doubt homie” just like she did in the beginning of the story.Dante knew that the burning wouldn’t last forever but the scar would.The author shows us that love can last through time, seperation, and pain. Although it could be argued that Shay doesnt love Dante because she doesnt get a tattoo, in the text it shows us that they both love each other unconditionally.
“Eraser Tattoo” is a short story about a girl named Shay, and her boyfriend Donte. Shay is moving away and is leaving Donte and everything/ everyone she grew up around.
ReplyDeleteIn this short story there is Shay her characteristics are she is nosey and in other words very much of a know it all, and she’s funny. In the beginning Shay and Donte are hanging out before Shay moves, Donte asks “Why can’t I give you a tattoo?” Shay responds by saying “Well my dad will have to drive back and kill you” but then Donte says “Your dad loves me.” Anyway Donte characteristics are he is in love with Shay, he is kinda clumsy, but he is aware of his surroundings like he noticed a couple pull up across the street. The author shows how much Shay and Donte trust/love each other by how he tells you about their friendship and how Donte is trusting Shay to do a tattoo with an eraser on his arm.
In fact Shay starts to hurt Donte with the tattoo but when she’s done she has to leave and not talk to him in person, because it does say that the tattoo will sting but it won’t stay, but there is a sting because Shay leaves and the sting stays there forever, when they think about each other. The author never says they break up or if they stay together after Shay leaves.In fact other parts in the story where they used imagery to show is the things that have/are happening like when the were in fifth grade Donte would always trip on his shoelaces and fall and scrape his knees and Shay would always want to see his knees “white where brown used to be, a blood speckled bobo waiting to be blown.” Another thing that showed imagery was when Shay and Donte were younger, Donte would always say I love you, but one time Donte meant it. He had fire in his eyes, Shay didn’t realize it till later and she knew she knew she felt the same way.
Another thing that shows imagery is Donte notices that, that day the city is full of sounds and smells, a car alarm whining down the block, or an old lady sitting at a window blowing smoke. This is the last time Shay and Donte are listening to this together before Shay moves away. The final thing that shows imagery is when she is doing the tattoo on Donte and he says “The girl who taught me how to lie my shoes so I wouldn’t hurt myself is hurting me.
At the end of the story they explain the house Shay grew uo in and how now it’s empty and all packed into a truck that’s already gone. Her father is already on his way to their new home while Shay is tattooing Donte, and her mother is sitting at the old home saying goodbye. When Shay is done with the tattoo she says goodbye and she goes home where her mother is waiting “You ready baby?”
“ The Eraser Tattoo” is a short story by Jason Reynolds. It's based on a couple that loves each other a lot and have been bestfriend scince they were kids but, the girlfriend, Shay is moving away, Dante didn't want her to move away because he loves her so much.
ReplyDeleteThe Theme of the story is love and affection, the couple, Dante and Shay show their love to each other throughout the whole story. Shay was moving very far away and many of her friends, especially Dante was upset about it. In the story, Shay gives Dante an Eraser tattoo. The tattoo is like a symbol how the distance wouldn't last forever but the friendship would.
There is dialogue in the story, it is “It hurts Shay, It hurts, it didn't at first but now it does” “Just don't think about it, take your mind off it” “Um I can’t, I mean what do you want me to think about? I can’t think of anything except for the fact that my arms on fire!” The dialogue in the story shows that he loves her enough that he is willing to let Shay give him a tattoo with an eraser. He was willing to risk getting in trouble, he knew his parents would punish him if he did anything to harm himself. Dante wanted Shay to stay but she couldn't because her parents had to move.
There are some character actions in the story when Dante lies to Shay and said the eraser tattoo didn't hurt when it really did. He loves her so much, he will spare her feelings, so she doesnt know it hurts him. These character actions show theme by showing he is willing to let Shay harm him. He's not telling her because he cares enough to spare her feeling.
The figurative language show in the story is Hyperbole and imagery.The hyperbole in the story is when Dante thought his heart would split in half, that shows theme by showing how Dante would be if him and Shay broke up, he loves her a lot. The next type of figurative language in the story is Imagery.
“They'd been sitting on the scoop for awhile,watching new cars pull in and new cars pull out.” This shows theme by them hanging out together one last time before Shay and her parents move away.
In conclusion, the stories theme is shown by its characters action and how he felt his heart would split in half if he and shay broke up. It shows how they love eachothe unconditonally.
The story eraser tattoo is about two best friends who are being separated as Shay is forced to move away, on the day she is moving she gives him an eraser tattoo. The eraser tattoo is a symbol for the friendship and love Dante and Shay have for each other.
ReplyDeleteThe reason Shay wants to give Dante the eraser tattoo is so he will remember the love and friendship they have for each other. This supports my claim, love and friendship can leave a scar. I can prove this because of what Shay said, she said pushing her finger into her chest “your father doesn't love you as much as I do”. In addition, the scene where Shay grabbed Dante’s face and made his lips pucker, then she pushed her lips against his. Shay would not have done that if she didn't love him.
Dante said “I know the sting won't last forever but the scar will” because he knew they wouldn't be together for a long time, he also knew the separation would hurt at first but would get better as the days went on.
The whole reasoning behind the eraser tattoo is to be a symbol of love and friendship between Shay and Dante is to be a symbol of love and friendship between Dante and shay.
Certainly, it could be said depression is the theme, while this is true, it fails to account for where the signs of depression are. The text states more that the tattoo is goodbye and a symbol for their love and friendship
Dante loves Shay so much that he is willing to put his health at risk for her, that shows love and friendship between the two.
Nice job finding the theme.
Delete‘Eraser Tattoo’ by Jason Reyonlds, is a short story about Shay moving, and Dante doesn’t want to forget about Shay, so Shay gives Dante a tattoo with the eraser. The auther is teaching us that; no matter how far you go, love will hold you together.
ReplyDeleteIn this story, Dante and Shay tell each other memories of when the teens were together and how they love each other. The story said the the other theme would be moving, but it is actully love because Dante and Shay love are in love and Shay says in the story “How ‘bout… You remember when you told me you loved me”.
Dante really is in love with Shay, so before Shay moves, she writes on Dante’s arm, so that they remember each other. They had known each other almost all their lives. How they are both showing love in the story is that; they write on each other’s arms so that they won’t forget each other.
‘Eraser Tattoo’ is showing imagery, imagery is showing the setting clearly and also giving a usual referance. The story also shows us repetition because both of the characters, Dante and Shay say “I love you” in different parts of the story.
At the end of the story, Shay leaves to North Carolina. Both of the characters won’t forget each other. Love will always hold you together, not even if someone you loves moves away.
“Eraser Tattoo” is a short story by Jason Reynolds. This story takes place in Brooklyn, about a couple, one of them moving to North Carolina for a job and the other staying back in Brooklyn. Throughout the story Shay is giving Dante a tattoo and they were reminiscing their past. The reason she is giving Dante a tattoo is so they are reminded of each other while parted. The tattoo that Shay is giving Dante is an “S” representing the first letter of her name. To clarify the way this relates to the them, they are moving away and the author is showing us a permanent way they can remember each other and how that shouldn’t change; love will always last no matter the distance between.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book Shay is giving Dante a tattoo of the letter “S” representing her first initial. Dante was in a lot of pain and he was struggling to let her continue. Even though it hurt, Dante loves her so much that he didn’t mind the pain. The tattoo also will remind them of each other, so most likely in the end it was worth the pain. In that case the way this event relates to the theme is because although getting this “eraser tattoo” put him in a lot of pain, the love they have for each other will last no matter the distance, so clearly they want to remember each other so he lets her continue.
In the beginning of the story Dante and Shay are talking about how Shay’s father would kill Dante for marking Shay, for example the tattoo. Dante says, “Kill me?” Please. Your pop loves me.” Shay says love is a strong word. “He likes you, but he loves me.” Then Dante says, “Not like I do.” Most parents have a very strong love towards their kids/family and when Dante says not like I do that really shows that Dante truly loves her and that the distance between them won’t stop the love they have for one another.
Eventually they start talking about Shay moving and how far they are apart. First Dante talks about becoming rich and famous for building bridges and how he would build one from Brooklyn to Wilmington. Shay states, “Or you could buy me a plane ticket.” Then Dante says, “I’m gonna buy you a plane ticket. Shoot, I might just buy you a whole plane. And this house so we can live in it.” In this case it shows his love for her and how much he would do for her and to be with her for her job, no matter the circumstances or distance.
In this short story the actual “Eraser Tattoo” Shay is giving Dante is a symbol. The tattoo is symbolizing their love for each other. The tattoo they are giving each other is something that they can remember each other by, that will always be there and in a way it’s even more special because they are giving the tattoo to each other. In a way this relates to the them because the love they have won’t stop no matter the distance because they will have this marking/tattoo. It will be there to remind them of each other and when they miss each other. It will also most likely bring back good memories they’ve had with each other.
In another part of the story Dante says his arm is “on fire” figuratively. Even though it seemed very painful from the text, Dante got through it and let Shay finish. Although it was painful he loves her enough to let her finish so they can be reminded of each other while they are apart. Although this relates to an earlier paragraph, this is more based on dialogue and not symbolism, they both show the theme just different examples of expressing it. This could also be interpreted as Dante “being nice” but clearly it shows that their love will last no matter the distance between.
In conclusion, this short story can make you think in many different ways. Although there are many that could be the theme of this short story, one thing that stuck out most as the theme is “love will always last no matter the distance between.” It fits the best with the events, dialogue, and figurative language in the story.
Eraser tattoo
ReplyDeleteShay is moving and her and Dante are on her stairs while they are moving her stuff out of her house, Shay is giving Dante an eraser tattoo of an ¨s¨ for Shay so she's always with Dante, at all times.
On page 12, Shay threw her arms around Dante, also kissing him on the cheek. Dante said ¨I love you¨ to Shay and he got friendzoned by Shay saying ¨no doubt homie¨. It's quite obvious that they both care about each other. Just by the things they say and how they act towards each other, shows how much they truly care and love each other.
When Shay gives Dante the eraser tattoo, she wants Dante to remember her because shes moving and they won't be able to see each other. Shay truly shows some emotion towards Dante. Dante thinks that it was a tattoo that will be able to wash off or a tattoo that will fade after a while but actually, Shay gave Dante a permanent tattoo of an ¨s¨.
What the author is trying to show us is that love can truly be found just about anywhere, and it doesn't matter how far away you are, or even going to be. Shay wants Dante to remember her while shes gone and that's why she gave him the tattoo.
They'll get through the hard times and they will be ok. It's not permanent, and they'll be able to see each other again eventually.
In conclusion, love can be found anywhere, and either way, it doesn't matter how far away you are or how long it's going to be before you see them again. Distance is just a number, and it's not something that is a permanent.
Eraser tattoo is a short story by Jason Reynolds and the story is about two teenagers named Shay and Dante. Shay and Dante are dating and throughout this story Shay is giving Dante a tattoo of her initial. Shay is moving and Dante is not to excited about this. The tattoo is a representation of their love and friendship.
ReplyDeleteIn the story they are talking about love. “So I told you, I loved you” was said by Dante. That was the first time Dante had said that and actually meant it, in 9th grade. They talking about how Shay had been scared to say it back so she said “No doubt, homie” but truly she did love him. Dante had been hurt because Shay had said that but she then explains that she was scared to say it back but she knew she loved him back.
Another statement that was said was “Not like I do.” That was also said by Dante when Shay had said “My dad likes you, but he loves me.” So that explains that Dante loves her in a different way than her dad. Dante loves her romantically and not like a daughter figure.
The tattoo that Dante had received by Shay is, in other words a symbol for their love. Shay wanted Dante to remember her so she gave him this tattoo. Their love will last forever just like this tattoo no matter how far apart they are from each other. Since Shay is moving, Dante can always have a part of Shay with him.
At the end of this story it says “He knew the sting wouldn’t last forever, but the scar would.” The sting represents his hurting while Shay moves to North Carolina and the scar is representing his love for Shay and how it will last forever. So no matter how far apart they are from each other Dante will always have that tattoo to remember her.
Part of this story also adds in plot. Shay and Dante are on the stairs of Shay’s old house and she is giving this eraser tattoo to Dante. This tattoo is her initial and it is being given on Dante’s arm. Shay is moving to Wilmington, North Carolina and in the story Dante is not happy about it. So shay is giving this tattoo to always have her in mind when he is feeling down about her leaving or her not being there anymore. They might not always remain friends but their love will always remain.
At the end Shay hops in the truck with her father and Dante yells “ I love you” while Shay hollers back “No doubt, homie” which is I love you. The truck leaves and Dante is left with this tattoo and all the memories he has had with her. The tattoo will be there forever just as their love. No matter how far apart they are from each other.
Nice detail.
Delete¨Eraser tattoo¨ is a short story by Jason Reynolds that takes place in Brooklyn, New York. The story talks about a boy named Dante and a girl named Shay that are dating. Shay is moving that day to Wilmington North Carolina. Shay and Dante were talking on hoe separation would be a hard time in their lives. Shay put her initial on Dante´s arm for him to always remember her. They talked about plans to see each other when Shay moves. The Initial on Dante´s arm shows the readers about love; Love can last through time and separation.
ReplyDeleteShay and Dante realized that they loved each other when they were children. In the story, Dante and shay were talking on how they first fell in love. In 9th grade, Dante and Shay did there special best friend handshake but, dante said I love you to Shay and he meant it. After that, They started to date.
Shay and Dante both realized that they were going to separate at one point. When the day Shay is leaving, Dante realized he is not going to see Shay again. This could be interpreted as sadness, but cleary it means love because they we find ways to see each other. They talked on how they can see each other. The readers can see that their relationship is strong and find ways to see each other.
Shay put her intial on Dante´s arm of a eraser. She did this because she wants him to always remember her. It represent their love and how they will be with each other. To point out that the s on Dante´s arm repersent how Shay wants Dante ton always remember her and never forget her.
Dante told shay¨When I get rich and famous for building bridges, I´m going to build one from here to wilmington.¨ Shay replied,¨Or, you could just buy me a plane ticket.¨ This dialogue show how when Shay and Dante are far away and still love each other, they find ways to see each other. When Dante said he want to build a bridge to north carolina, that showed theme on how love can find ways to see each other when you are miles and miles away from each other. The dialogue, also shows how the two teens are leaving each other and found ways to see each other.
Jason Reynolds used figurative language to show us the theme. Reynolds used Imagery to show the theme. ¨ She was concentrating on the top of the S, a curved back and forth motion-a frown?¨ The S Shay was writing repersen how Shay and Dante will also be with each other. The imagery In the story shows readers that the frowns that Shay wrote repersent on how sad she is when she is leaving Dante.
Reynolds also used repetition to Show readers theme.¨Ah,so it does hurt, it hurts. Shay, It hurts It didn't at first, but now it does.¨ This repetition shows readers that the eraser tattoo hurts Dante. Also the fact that it hurts Dante that Shay is leaving. Dante said it Didn't hurt at first meant She is leaving and it didn't hurt him at first but, it hurts him now.
At the end of the story, Shay left Brooklyn for North Carolina. After shay left, Dante wouldn´t see Shay for along time. Dante know that the S on his am would be there for ever. Now the reader know that when someone is leaving, love will always be there with time and separation.
¨Earaser tattoo¨ by Jason Reynolds is a story about these two that fall in love, there names are Shay and Dante. Shay´s parents are moving to Willington so Dante and her are soon gonna be seperated. But Love can last through time and seperatetion.
ReplyDeleteIn a small town in brooklyn live two love birds Dante and Shay, Shay is moving away and is giving dante an earser tattoo. The earser tatto although painful was a sign of there love for eachother.
When Dante and Shay are sitting on the the steps and when Dante is geting the earaser tattoo he keeps repeating, ¨it hurts¨ Which is a sign of him hurting mentally and phsically because of shay moving and them being seperated.
Shay and Dante starts realizing that they will actually be seperated and start feeling it and they are just trying to charish there time together on the steps of her house.
They are spending there time together and make there final memories together there in brooklyn and she is helping pack up the car to move.
Shay is giving Dante a sign of there love and memeories by giving him the earsaer tattoo The tattoo is permenent and will always stay with Dante when she is gone.
In the story Shay said ¨you can get a plane ticket and visit¨ and he said ¨buy a plane ticket shoot I might as well just buy the whole plane and this house to live together in. This proves my idea by Dante telling us that he wants to be together again soon.
At the end of the story when shay finishes the earser tattoo Dante closed the door and said ¨call me when you get there¨.
All in all Dante and Shay will still love eachother through love and seperation, they will still love eachother no matter what and they will be together again soon.
“Eraser Tattoo” is a short story by Jason Reynolds that takes place in Brooklyn. This story is about how Shay is moving away and how she is putting her initials on her boyfriends arm. Her boyfriends is Dante. Dante and Shay Have been friends for a long time but now she is leaving. But love can last through time and separation.
ReplyDeleteBy all means, Dante knows that Shay wants her initials on him but he keeps bringing up on how much it is hurting him. But when she tells him to stop complaining about it he will start saying how it hurts again. But Shay doesn’t pay attention and she just keeps going. She also isn’t paying attention because she tells him that he will remember the sting forever.
While Shay was putting her initials on Dante’s arm, she was focusing on how she was doing it. She was focused on the “top” of the (s). She was doing it in a curved backward-forth motion on the (s) so she did it just right. When she was doing it Dante asked, “How come I can’t give you a eraser tattoo”? She answered with, “Because if you did my dad would have to come all the way back and kill you”!
Dante and Shay are devastated that they are moving away from each other. But they cannot do anything about it. While she is giving Dante the “tattoo” they talk about over about how they are going to visit each other when Shay moves away.
Dante and Shay have always known each other. They have always been friends. Then they finally realize that they love each other. But A little after they realize that they love each other Shay finds out that she is moving away from Dante. But they know that they will still love each other.
Dante and Shay love each other so much that when Shay moves they will plan on meeting each other again. Dante talks about he is willing to buy a plane ticket to see her again. Shay was so surprised when he said she couldn’t believe it.
In conclusion, this story is about how Dante and Shay love each other very much. It shows how close of friends they are,how much they care about each other, and most importantly how love can last through time and separation.
Wyatt Amend’s
ReplyDelete“Eraser Tattoo” literary essay
By Jayson Renolds
The short story “Eraser Tattoo” is about two teenagers, Dante and Shay. They have known, and been best friends their whole lives. Just until recently they became more. Throughout the story you realize that their relationship is different, because they are not just a couple they are best friends. They are stuck in a complicated situation where they don't know what do when they find out their relationship will have to come to a roaring stop. Shay and her family is moving far away to a place Dante has never heard of. With the little time they have left together they make the most of it and make a forever lasting sign of their love, but on Dante. Shay is carving her initials into Dante’s arm with an eraser. Burning pain, all Dante can do is sit back and watch…
Throughout the story the author has made the theme, and lesson of the story clear as day. He used a lot of repetition, and emphasis on certain words with the use of capitalization. Although the overall theme could be argued it is love because yes love does play a big role in the story. If you look closer into the authors thoughts and ideas you may realize that there is more that would need to be included than just love. Love is just one half, so that is why you need to include what the loss and separation of love can be like, or make you do.
Some hints at the theme of the story wouldn't be obvious to someone just reading the story once through but when I looked back i found just a couple ways this author expressed the theme. Repetition… “Okay Okay, so what I was scared because I knew I loved you too.” There is one hint at the theme in this story. That sentence wouldn’t normally be something significant but since this story is so short and it directly says part of the theme i picked up on it. Figurative Language… “He knew the sting wouldn’t last forever, but the scar would.” Now the author used Figurative Language in the sense that that sentence was written in a completely different form from the rest of the book. He said this to help us realize that what Dante let shay do to him was something desperate. Because that is exactly what was happening is he let Shay permanently, and painfully mark his arm out of desperation. Which brings them to the moment they have all been dreading this whole time they have been together, Seperation...
In the story “Eraser Tattoo”, by Jason Reynolds, I saw many themes. One theme that really spoke to me was “ Love can’t be destroyed by distance and can only go away with time.” I really found this to be the main theme by looking at the character dialogue, figurative language, and plot. The main character Shay is moving away and her boyfriend Dante wants to remember her. Shay decides the best way he can remember her is if they erase into each other. They decide to erase into each other to mark their love as long as the scar stays their love will be shown also.
ReplyDeleteIn this story, the plot really helped me understand the theme because when Shay is moving away it is obvious that it is the distance keeping them apart. Dante and Shay can’t control this happening, therefore making it even harder for them. The plot connected to the theme in this part by showing the move is the distance between their love.
Another event that happened was Shay erased her initials into Dantes arm to pledge her love and so he never forgets her. The scar that will stay on his arm shows the everlasting love between them. A scar will fade but it will take time just like love.
I recognized the dialogue to be helpful figuring out the theme also. When Shay says, “Remember the first time you told me you loved me?” This shows they have loved each other for awhile, so that love will be harder to fade away. This is just like the eraser tattoo and ends up all connecting back to the theme I chose.
I also caught when Dante said, “Where are you moving to for the millionth time?” This told me he was worried the distance was going to destroy their love which is why I think he was so fine with being marked into and she wasn’t. The one thing in the story that taught me the theme the most was all the figurative language. Some might argue the theme was, “Don’t let love take advantage of you.” The text shows this in some parts of the story, but if you really dig deep this isn’t the case.
For example, the repetition Shay was constantly using really showed how important everything was to her. The childhood house she was leaving had her love attached also. She kept repeating these memories showing how much it meant to her. This is just like when she was repeating the back and forth motion on Dante’s arm to show how much this meant to her.
I also found symbolism with the tattoo and what it really meant. The eraser tattoo was a symbol of their love. It will stay with Dante forever even through the distance. It can only fade away with time too. This area completely related to my overall theme and really expressed it.
All in all, I really felt the theme, “Love can’t be destroyed by distance and only fades away with time”, was strongly presented in this story in multiple ways.
I really like the detail you used in this essay, good job!
DeleteThe short story “The Eraser Tattoo” by Jason Reynolds focuses on a couple. The couple is Shay and Dante and the main event is that Shay is moving away. Shay and Dante grew up together so Dante doesn’t want her to go. Shay is erasing her initials into Dante’s arm like it symbolized their love for eachother.
ReplyDeleteThe author uses symbolism to contribute to the theme of the story. There might have been more than one theme but we thought it was “Love won’t go away with distance and can only be destroyed by time”. The eraser tattoo Shay gives Dante contributes because the tattoo is like a symbol of their love for eachother. No matter how far apart they get, the tattoo would always be their. Only time could take it away. Like their love.
Another type of figurative language used is repetition. The author uses repetition when talking about Shay’s house. The author repeats, “This is where,” and “Where she”, when describing the house. She loves the house because she grew up there and had so many memories.
Something else the author uses is dialogue. Dialogue can help support theme. In the story Dante said, “ When I get rich and famous for building bridges I’m gonna build one from here to Wilmington.” The sentence contributes to the them by expressing Dante’s love for Shay.
There’s another piece of dialogue towards the end of the story. At the end when Shay is leaving, Dante says, “ I love you”. But the narrator added to it by saying, “It slipped easily from his lips. Like breathing”.
Another thing you can use to contribute to the theme is Shay and Dante’s history. Shay and Dante had been friends since they were 5 years old. Dante had mentioned how Shay taught him how to tie his shoes and how she kissed his “boo-boos”.
One more thing to go with the characters is the way they act around each other. They are really close. Dante likes to make fun of Shay about stuff and Shay does the same to Dante. Dante had told Shay that her dad love him and Shay replied, “Um… Love is a strong word. He likes you. Sometimes. But he loves me”.
In conclusion I think the theme “Love won’t go away with distance and can only be destroyed by time”, fits the story well and the author has evidence to support it.
“Eraser Tattoo” is a short story about a young teen couple who have been together for years and they are about to be separated by distance. The setting takes place in Brooklyn and the girl is moving to Wilmington while the boy has to stay. The entire story revolves around the girl(Shay) eraser tattooing the boy (Dante) with little flashback memories happening throughout their dialogue. The author uses this to help us understand that love can overcome any obstacle if you put your heart to it.
ReplyDeleteWhen Shay and Dante are talking, they share a lot of dialogue to each other. Some of this dialogue was crucial to the story and the relationship they share with one another. When Shay says “am I worth the pain?”. She's obviously instigating Dante when she knows how he feels toward her. This shows that both of them are comfortable with each enough to share feelings like these toward each other.
Another example of crucial dialogue is when Dante is talking to Shay and brings up something that obviously won’t happen realistically. He says that when he gets rich, he will build a bridge all the way to Wilmington. Then Shay goes on to say “I’m better off buying a plane ticket”. This also shows that they are both comfortable in their relationship they have. Although the text might suggest that the theme of the story could be love is found everywhere, the evidence clearly shows that love can overcome any obstacle.
The author uses the story’s characters to show importance to the theme related to love. Using only two main characters shows that those two play a major role in the story, which they do. And it is even more important that they are in love and have been dating for years in the past. Shay moving puts a massive strain on their relationship because distance can be hard to overcome. Shay giving Dante the tattoo will help ease the strain because a part of her will be with him forever.
The author also shows the theme by using literary elements like figurative language. The repetition of Dante and Shay saying “Wilmington” shows that it is a big deal she’s moving. They both know it’s far away and that it will be hard to overcome. Them saying it over and over shows the reader that it is important to the story.
The author also uses symbolism in the story. The eraser tattoo that Shay is giving Dante is symbol of their love, which will experience a lot of obstacles going forward. It shows that love is hard and has roadblocks, but if you put your heart to it, you can overcome them. It shows they will remember each other until the end, especially Dante. And that, is true love.
Jason Reynolds, the author of “Eraser Tattoo”, used many literary elements to make his short story mean something. Love can overcome any obstacle, and he has shown amazing work in this short story. It can make an impact on its readers and teach a very important lesson to people.
Good work jamie
Delete“Eraser tattoo” is a short story by Jason Reynolds about a guy, Dante and a girl, Shay who have known each other for years. What makes this story and setting sad is that one of them is moving away. The short story focuses on this event. Shay’s parents had sold the house and now are moving away. Shay thinks that dante might forget each other, this is why she gave him the eraser tattoo. The author uses this to show us love can last through separation.
ReplyDeleteWhen Shay started to give Dante the tattoo it was to show that she still loves him. When the tattoo was being made they had a big conversation. Dante’s arm hurt and when Shay noticed she said to him, “am I not worth the pain?” This shows that they can say mean things and not hurt each other.
Another thing that was said from Dante was, “ It don’t matter anyway, because when I get rich and famous for building bridges I’m going to build one from here to…” Wilmington.” What this shows is that Dante loves Shay so much he would build a bridge to her.
An example of figurative language used is when Shay was making the tattoo “ she concentrated on the top of the s, a curved back-and-forth motion-a frown. This shows the sadness that she was feeling when she was saying goodbye.
At the end of the story when shay finishes the tattoo she says goodbye. Then Dante looked at his arm and his arm hurt and he realised that the pain wouldn’t last forever, but the scar would. This is where Jayson Reynolds was showing us the theme that love can last through time and separation.
In Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds, Shay and Dante are dating and their relationship is loving and strong. Shay has to move to Wilmington, North Carolina. While the moving trucks are being packed up, Shay and Dante are talking. While they’re talking, Shay is giving Dante an “eraser tattoo” on his arm which symbolizes their permanent and forever lasting love.
ReplyDeleteWhen Dante and Shay were 5, Dante told her that he loved her. They started dating in high school after being best friends for most of their life. For this reason, it would be hard for them to apart.
Shay has to move to Wilmington, North Carolina, away from Dante. Shay and Dante don't want to leave each other. They have been friends for so long and they don't want to be separated now. This could be interpreted as them being separated and in a relationship but it means their bond is so strong that they the distance won’t matter.
While Shay and Dante are talking about Wilmington, they are also talking about their future careers. Dante wants to be an architect and Shay wants to be a marine biologist. Dante tells Shay, “When I get rich and famous for building bridges, I’m going to build one from here to….” “Wilmington” Shay has to say because Dante can’t. That dialogue shows, It’s hard for Dante to take in the whole idea of Shay moving away.
This story got its name because Shay is giving Dante an “eraser tattoo” while they’re talking. Shay makes the tattoo in the shape of an S. That symbolizes their forever lasting love. A tattoo is there forever just like their love.
Shay, her family, and Dante were all mad when the new couple started moving right away. There wasn’t a lot of room on the stoop that Shay and Dante were sitting on. When the couple was trying to get past them, Dante grumbled, “I just don't know why they couldn’t say excuse me.” In other words, it was like he was mad at the innocent couple because they would be living in Shays old home.
In the beginning of the story, it tells what the setting is like so well, you can picture what it’s like there. The author uses personification to describe the city of Brooklyn, where they live. At one part it says Brooklyn was being “its usual self” and it was “alive,” full of sounds and smells. That shows what the city of Brooklyn is like on a day-to-day basis.
So Shay and Dante are in love but they have different futures ahead of them. They plan to stay together even though they’re going to be far away from each other. This shows that they have the kind of relationship that lasts long distances.
“The Eraser Tattoo” Essay
ReplyDeleteBy: Kyan Reichhoff
“The Eraser Tattoo” is a short story by Jason Reynolds. They are in the middle of shay getting ready to move so Shay is eraser tattooing her initials into Dante’s arm. Her purpose for doing this was so that Dante won’t forget her. The “tattoo” won’t go away because of distance but only with time will it fade. Just like the couple love won’t go away because of the distance and they will love eachother even though they are apart.
They grew up together and had always been there for each other since they were young. They were the best of friends and then eventually as they got older they developed feelings for eachother. I believe Jason Reynolds conveys that Shay and Dantes love won’t be destroyed by the distance.
Shay and Dante are two highschool student but there is no detail into their lives outside of each other. But from the information given to us they are madly in love. This is shown through multiple forms of figurative language.
The obvious form of figurative language is symbolism. The eraser tattoo is a symbol for Shay and Dante’s love. The tattoo won’t go away like their love won’t fade away by the distance.
Another form of figurative language is imagery. Shay is moving so she is talking to Dante about some of her memories in great detail. “This small, two bedroom, third-floor walk-up with good sunlight and hardwood floors.” This conveys her longing or remembrance of the house she’s leaving but although she still will remember her house and Dante she is looking forward to Wilmington.
A main piece of theme is dialogue. Dante says this to shay “When I get famous for building bridges I’m gonna build one from here to Wilmington.” He is saying this because he wants her to know he won’t forget about her and will always love her.
In another interaction between Shay and Dante they are messing around with Dante saying “Your pops loves me” and Shay replies “um love is a strong word I would say he likes you” Then Dante says “ not like I do.” Talking about how his love for her is completely effortless and loving her is like breathing second nature.
Some people may argue that the theme of this story is don’t let people harm you because you love them. But I believe the characters themselves portrayed that their love won’t go away. The things they did like the eraser tattoo itself is like saying I won’t forget you and I won’t stop loving you.
Another reason I believe the characters themselves portrayed my claim is their stories of each other and their childhood just conveys and shouts that they love each other. They go into detail in their stories about each other and it’s clear to see they love each other.
In the middle of the story I believe everything unfolds and you get to understand the story a lot better. Everything about the couple is said and they show their backstory. I believe the theme and everything shines the brightest in the middle part of the story.
Shay is moving; and her boyfriend Dante can’t do anything about it. He feels helpless, but he understands there’s nothing he can do about it. The eraser challenge has been going around lately. So to make Dante remember her she wants to put her name in his skin by using an eraser to burn it in. Dante is Hesitant, but did end up agreeing. When is is all done they kiss and Shay is on her way to a new place. Dante is upset but knows that they will stay in contact and someday reunite. So in the end you could say that the ones who make you feel the best are the ones that you shouldn’t give up on no matter what even if there are issues or there is distance.
ReplyDeleteThe author does a very good job of showing that they make each other feel so special by using dialogue. One prime example of this is when they are having a conversation about the Shay’s dad. Dante and Shay set a mood of happiness through the dialogue. Dante says “Your dad loves me.” Through this dialogue in specific they show that there families are close and that they all enjoy being around each other and it makes them happy. Now this supports theme because it shows that they are happy with each other and that they really do care about each other. If you continue reading it shows that they never give up and plan for the future and plan to stay together.
The author uses figurative language a lot to show the theme. One example that to me showed the theme was when Dante said “I knew the sting wouldn’t last forever, but the scar would.” This is a metaphor and it really shows that he will forever be hurt, but he is not going to give up because she is a huge part of his life. That is what the scar part of the metaphor stands for to me.
The author uses other forms of figurative language as well. One big thing was personification. A prime example of personification was when we were in the mind of Dante and he thought “We watched the neighborhood rearrange itself.” This is important because it shows just how much the neighborhood and everyone is going to miss Shay. It shows that for Dante things will never be the same. But in that it means that he truly does care about her and that are very in love. That means that they’re not going to let distance or any other obstacle get in their way.
The author used the setting as a massive key in the story. The whole story revolves around Shay moving and Dante not being able to get over that. Although in the story there is a lot of heartbreak. Shay does show that she might be able to move on. When she talks about the new place she is moving she makes points like the fact that she could get a good job. She says that she is going to enjoy the new scenery and being by the water.
Overall this story is full of heartbreak and new experiences. I think one key thing that can be taken away from this story and that I personally took away from the story is that you should never give up on the ones you love. Even if there are obstacles and even if there is distance.
The eraser tattoo is a short story by Jason Reynolds.The story is about Shay and Dante they are dating.Shay and Dante have known eachother forever;but now Shay is moving to North Carolina and so they are sitting on the stairs of her old house as her family is moving all there stuff out of the house.As they are sitting there Shay is giving Dante a eraser tattoo.The tattoo is an S for Shay so he remembers her when she leaves.
ReplyDeleteThey are talking about the 1st time Dante said “i love you” to Shay and it was the 1st time he meant it;but Shay didn't know what to say and so it was very awkward.After that Dante asked why he can't give her one too and she said her dad would kill him and Dante said “your dad loves me”and then Shay said “no he likes you but he loves me” After that Dante realized that he has a different kind of love for Shay then her dad. The readers can clearly see that the theme is love because it says how they love each other.
The story takes place at Shays old house .Her and Dante are on the stairs.They are talking about all the memories they have together.
This story figurative language is symbolism.The symbol is the eraser tattoo.The tattoo shows loves and helps Dante to remember the love he has for Shay.
In the end before Shay left Dante said “i love you”again and say was nervous and said “no doubt homie” and then they walked to the car for Shay to leave.Right before Shay gets into the car she looks at the eraser tattoo and said “looks good” then gets into the car As Shay drives off with her mom Dante looks at the tattoo and thinks he knows the burning wouldn't last forever but the scar will
Eraser Tattoo is a realistic short story written by jason reynolds. This story takes place in Brooklyn New York. There are two main characters Shay and Donte, Shay is moving away to Wilmington North Carolina, and Donte is staying in Brooklyn. Shay wants to work with sea creatures when she is older because she finds them fascinating, and Donte says something about wanting to build bridges. In this story the author shows the theme that love and separation and how it can leave a scar.
ReplyDeleteShay and Donte are boyfriend and girlfriend and they have known each other since they were little kids. When Shay is leaving she is putting a “S” on dontes arm and they argue a little bit because Donte is upset and a little confused on why he cannot give her a eraser tattoo too. Then Shay goes on and and says “what if we break up” and “at least you can say the S stands for snake or something i will be stuck with this ugly D on my arm forever”. They are both really sad that they have to leave each other but they believe that the connection will last forever due to the eraser tattoo.
Donte and shay get into another argument later on in the story about the first time he told her he loved her. And said the first time was fake because they were five. She then talked about the first time in ninth grade “it was part of our secret handshake at first. Two claps a pound, one clap, a dab, then a I love you, from the both of us.” Donte said it was “no big deal like family until one day…..” until…. His words caught in his throat due to the pain, “until one day I hit you with the smooth okie dokie” Shay said “it was no damn okie dokie. We both said I love you like usual except you wouldn't let go” they talked about how it was different and “scary” and how she didn't really think it was different until Dante said it again. And Donte brought up what she said and she hit him with the “no doubt homie.”
There is also imagery in this short story like when the eraser breaks the skin or when they sit on the step or stoop and watch cars drive by, or when they did the dance routine that put a picture in my head.
At the end of the story Dante said that “He knew the sting wouldn’t last forever. But the scar would.” this is where the theme love and separation can leave a scar comes in, a physical and emotional scar. Donte says the pain won't last forever but the scar would and they talk about how their relationship ship will last, Donte said “what if we break up” an shay responds “why would you even think of that “ showing that they have really no intentions of their love ever going away so the scar can symbolize there love and the sting can be the pain of her moving away.
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In the story Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds; a high school couple is being split. Their names are Shay and Dante and they’re the two main characters. They’ve known each other their whole lives and are very close, but sadly Shay is moving away. On their sad last day Shay makes some rash decisions and emotions change a lot. It shows that the people that you love the most can make you hurt the most. Shay’s dad just got in the rental car and Dante mentions something to Shay for her to remember her forever. He wants to give her a scar using an eraser. Shay thinks that her dad would disagree with this decision so it’s gone, for now.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned these two have been together for a long time. Their memories often include Dante getting hurt and Shay helping repair him to health. Shortly after the eraser idea goes it comes back. Shay reaches for the pencil, and grabs it, and starts rubbing away at Dante’s arm. This creates lots of confusion and frustration in Dante. They kind of argue for a bit while Dante tries to act tough, and then he gives in, out of frustration and says “It hurts Shay. It hurts.” One minute it was a calm conversation between the two and the next it’s angry pain eating Dante.
The dialogue in Eraser Tattoo plays a strong role in the plot. I found that it’s not always what they are talking about rather than what they’re not. After Shay puts the soon to be scar on Dante’s Tricep they have some regular small talk about how they’re going to miss each other and then Dante starts to have a lot of pain which make him noticeably antsy. He tries to act tough but can’t hold it in now which is weird because a second ago he was fine.
Imagery in Eraser Tattoo doesn’t play a huge role, but it’s definitely got one. After the chaos of the S shaped burn Dante says “I love you” and it’s described as “ it slipped easily from his lips, like breathing. That puts an image in your head of his lips moving slowly and calmly alongside the calm voice. It’s crazy how he was panicking and then he was completely zen.
“Eraser Tattoo” is a short story by Jason Reynolds that takes place in Brooklyn. This story is about how Shay is moving away and how she is putting her initials on her boyfriends arm. Her boyfriends is Dante. Dante and Shay Have been friends for a long time but now she is leaving. But love can last through time and separation.
ReplyDeleteBy all means, Dante knows that Shay wants her initials on him but he keeps bringing up on how much it is hurting him. But when she tells him to stop complaining about it he will start saying how it hurts again. But Shay doesn’t pay attention and she just keeps going. She also isn’t paying attention because she tells him that he will remember the sting forever.
While Shay was putting her initials on Dante’s arm, she was focusing on how she was doing it. She was focused on the “top” of the (s). She was doing it in a curved backward-forth motion on the (s) so she did it just right. When she was doing it Dante asked, “How come I can’t give you a eraser tattoo”? She answered with, “Because if you did my dad would have to come all the way back and kill you”!
Dante and Shay are devastated that they are moving away from each other. But they cannot do anything about it. While she is giving Dante the “tattoo” they talk about over about how they are going to visit each other when Shay moves away.
Dante and Shay have always known each other. They have always been friends. Then they finally realize that they love each other. But A little after they realize that they love each other Shay finds out that she is moving away from Dante. But they know that they will still love each other.
Dante and Shay love each other so much that when Shay moves they will plan on meeting each other again. Dante talks about he is willing to buy a plane ticket to see her again. Shay was so surprised when he said she couldn’t believe it.
In conclusion, this story is about how Dante and Shay love each other very much. It shows how close of friends they are,how much they care about each other, and most importantly how love can last through time and separation.
There are many themes in the short story “The Eraser Tattoo” by Jason Reynolds, but I believe that one outshines the rest by a landslide. Our theme being that love can’t go away or be destroyed with distance, but only with time. There are many key factors as to why we would feel this way so strongly. From plot and events to character interactions and figurative language there are so many pieces of evidence supporting our claim.
ReplyDeleteThe story begins with a key event, being that the main character, Shay, is moving across the country to possibly never see her boyfriend again. Dante is clearly worried and asks her, “Where are you going for the millionth time?” This stresses the importance of what Shay is leaving people behind and their relationship.
The couple then comes up with an idea to solve their problem and possibly “save” their relationship. Their quick fix being for Shay to permanently engrave her initials into Dante’s arm with an eraser and pledge her love to him. Our group as well as many others see the tattoo as a symbol of love. Even though they will have quite a bit of distance between them the tattoo or love will not go away and can only heal over time.
Some people may feel that the hidden message is that you shouldn’t let people you love harm you, but I believe that their evidence is trivial compared to ours. Overall this was a good story with many figures of speech supporting the same central theme, “Love can’t go away or be destroyed with distance, but only with time.”
Eraser Tattoo
ReplyDeleteThis is a short story by: Jason Reynolds. This story is about a girl named Shay and a boy named Dante who love each other very much. Shay is a teenage girl who is moving to North Carolina.
Shay and her best friend dante have found out that shay is moving to north carolina and today it is their final “goodbye.” Shays father has everything packed and ready to go in the moving truck. Shay and Dante are extremely devastated.
Shay and dante go way back to when they where very little. They have always been together.Shay and Dante used to play together when they were little. They also have a extremely strong bond. Shay and dante have always treated each other like brother and sister Shay and Dante love each other very much.
Although they do not want to leave each other they know it is no their choice. In conclusion Dante and Shay will miss each other very much and know they will always miss each other. Their love will never end.
In the story Eraser Tattoo by, Jason Reynolds, the theme is love and separation can leave a scar. There are two people (Shay & Dante) that are in love but are forced to move apart. Shay and Dante have known eachother since they were little kids. Shay is moving to North Carolina, and Dante wants something to remember her by, an eraser tattoo. As they say goodbye they remember when they really meant “I love you.”
ReplyDeleteOne way that this theme is shown is plot. When Shay has to move to North Carolina Dante watched Shay leave for good. Shay and Dante have been together ever since they were little kids, and they thought that they would never have to separate from each other.
There is also imagery “They’d been sitting on the stoop for a while, watching cars pull out and new cars pull in.” their relationship is so good that they don't even need to talk to each other to understand what that moment means.
Throughout the book Shay is giving Dante a tattoo of the letter “S” representing her first initial. Dante was in a lot of pain and he was having a hard time to let her continue. Even though it hurt, Dante loves her a whole ton that he didn’t worry about the pain. The tattoo also will remind them of each other, so most likely in the end it was worth the pain. In that case the way this event relates to the theme is because although getting this “Eraser Tattoo” put him in a lot of pain, the love they have for each other will last forever so they will want to remember each other by a scar.