Describe the relationships, whether female-male or the female-female interactions, in the stories.

2-3 page essay, double-spaced, 12 point font

Before you write the essay, you obviously read it but here are some things to look at:

[I always start a book by looking into the author and their background.

The title, the year it was publish and when it takes place.

Look at the characters and if their names have any meaning. I always use https://www.behindthename.com, (Links to an external site.) there are other too. ]

I always look for interviews if you can find them, I linked some in the modules.

For the essay choose from one of the following three options:

1. This is a collection of short stories, but is there a consistent narrator? Who and why do you think that is significant? Use examples, from at least three of the stories to show your point. If you do not feel that there is a consistent narrator, discuss why you believe that is? What is the function of the choice of narrator, no matter if you believe that there is a consistent or not consistent one? Could it be voice for all, or many Chicanas/os and not just one individual?

2. Choose one or two major themes from the book, such as but not limited to family, friendship, love or lack of love, and ethnic/racial interactions. Use examples from at least two or three of the stories. Use place, such as Southern Colorado, Westside or Northside(s) of Denver, Auraria as examples for setting the tone of those themes. Displacement, migration, gentrification could fit into these topics.

3. Describe the relationships, whether female-male or the female-female interactions, in the stories. Pick 2-3 of the stories as examples. What happened in these interactions that made them work or not work? Are they representation of Chicana/o/x culture or are there universalities within them? Explain and expand. What are some the positives and negatives within these relationships that we can all learn from?

Last note: this a guide, you do not have to answer every little part and feel free to add other elements that you found interesting in the stories.

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