I, Rigoberta Menchu (Cinco)

1. Famous playwright Henrick Ibsen once articulated, "A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm." How does this quotation apply to what Menchu articulates in chapter 12?

From the beginning of the book to where we currently are, Menchu has described in detail of what role in the community each member holds. From a very young age the child begins to work and learn from their parents. Through this learning process they gain the ability of taking care of themselves way before any average person here in America does. It takes us nearly twenty years to do what they can do in less then sixteen.

Menchu explains how communities require everyones participation to achieve what they want. If just one person is slacking, it can affect the entire group. If everyone is doing what they're suppose too, they will prosper and become strong.

2. Rigoberta Menchu starts Chapter 13 by using the quotation, "I'd always see my mother cry...I was afraid of life and asked myself, what will it be like when I'm grown up?" Why would she speak such words? What special meaning do they have to her and other Guatemalans?

I think Menchu was afraid of growing up because she didn't want to go through all of the hardships that she has seen her mother go through. Her mom has had many tragedies happen to her but one that hit her hard was the fact her child died of malnutrition because she couldn't provide to keep him alive.

Rigoberta is brought up to believe nothing will ever get better. That she will just take her mothers place in the future and get married, have kids, build a home, and work. There is nothing to look forward to with this. The cycle seems very harsh and I can understand why Rigoberta is wondering what life will be like when she's older; if she will be in the same mess her parents are in, or if she will do something with her life and someday be able to live happily with little worries.

3. What part of Chapter 14 really stuck out? Why did this part really take grip? Take some time to reflect on what it is that you have learned so far from this book.

I think it's a terrible thing that a mother is willing to pay her maid to become sexually active with her sons. This is wrong in all levels of humanity. Not only is the childs mom supporting this activity, but she forces her maid into prostitution. I dont see how someone could be so messed up in the head to allow something so wrong.