Blog Task #5: Chapters 9-12

Discussion Questions

Answer the following set of questions. Pay attention to the keywords in the question stem to plan your
answer, and to the grading indications of each to ensure you are meeting the requirements.

1. Explore the character of Gertrudis in Chapters 9 and 10; how does she act as a foil for Tita?
How does she challenge gender norms?

( /2 K / 1 I /1 C)

2. In Chapter 10, Tita experiences significant character development. She confronts the ghost of
Mama Elena; after doing so, how do the following events in the novel suggest she has
changed?

( /1 K / 1 I /1 C)

3. Brainstorm the significance of the following symbols: seeds, chickens, diapers, chile, fire.

( / 5 I /1 C)

4. In Chapter 11, Rosaura and Tita finally confront one another. Summarize this confrontation,
and analyse it by explaining how their views oppose one another. Then, respond to it by
suggesting who you think the better woman is.

( /1 K / 2 I /1 C)

5. How do Pedro and John express their love differently to Tita? How does Johns actions,
especially in Chapters 11 and 12, challenge gender norms? Who is Titas better match, and
why?

( /1 K / 2 I /1 C)

6. In the last chapter of the novel, we see Esperanza develop into an adult. What does her
development in the novel suggest about the novels main themes? View her development
through the lenses of gender, history and culture.

( / 3 I /1 C)