“What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”

-Pedro Arrupe

Sunday, January 30, 2011

I, Rigoberta Menchu (Dos)

1.) After reading the first five chapters, what is your reaction to what you have read? What do you know about Guatemalan culture now? What do you WANT to know having finished the first five chapters? What do you EXPECT to find out as you continue reading?

In the first five chapters, Rigoberta Menchu describes the beginning of a new born's life. From where she came from, when a new born is born, the community considers the new born as another member of their family. The whole community considers one another family which I found it interesting. One thing that I would like to know is how much has their culture changed from when Rigoberta Menchu was interviewed for this book to now. From what I had read, it seems like I, Rigoberts Menchu talks in depth about the Guatemalan culture. By the time we finish this book, I feel like we'll get a stronger idea of what it is like for an average Guatemalan.

2.) Menchu begins the third chapter by including a quote from Miguel Angel Asturias, which states, "That night he spent howling like a coyote while he slept as a person.' / "To become an animal, without ceasing to be a person.' / 'Animal and person coexist in them through the will of their progenitors at birth." Why did she include this quotation? How does it relate to the Guatemalan people? How does it NOT relate to the Guatemalan people?

The Guatemalan's believe that they are born with an animal entity. Every person has their own animal from when they were born. The animal you are given depends on the day that the child is born. Whatever animal a person is given, it will reflect on the personality the person will have. So for an example; if you are given the lion, the persons personality will be short-tempered and often angry. Miguel Angel Asturias' quote doesn't literally mean  what he is saying but it relates to their animal entity.
3.) Menchu speaks in depth about the finca. What is your impression of the fnca? What does it remind you of?

When Rigoberta Menchu speaks about thhe finca's, it reminded me about the in the Medieval Times. In the Middle Ages they had manor's which is similar to finca's. The only difference a finca had to a manor was that the people didn't permanently live on the land and the Guatemalan's were paid, but very little. I found that conditions working on a finca is more harsh than working on a manor. It was suprising when I read that Guatemalans are forced to work off any accidents they were responsible whether if its breaking a coffee branch or a tool.

4.) On page 31, Menchu writes, "My father told me: "When you're old enough, you must travel, you must go around the country. You know wat you must do what I do." Why would he say this? Does a seemingly simple statement like that posses power? Explain.

A statement like that definitely posses power. Rigoberta Menhu's father was able to encourage her to do what is best and follow what she believes is right. I believe he said this to encourage her to work her hardest and find what truly believes in.

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