1. Menchu includes two Bible verses from the book of Judith to begin chapter 27. they read, "He bragged that he would burn up my borders and kill my young men with his sword, and dash the suckling children against the ground, and make mine infants as a prey, and my virgins as a spoil. But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the hand of a women." Why did she include the verses for this chapter?
These verses almost sound like they were meant to describe what happened in Guatemala. The military took over the land threatened to destroy anybody that came in their way be it man, women , child, or infant. In the chapter where Menchu described the death of her brother it is apparent that they had no intent to offer mercy of any kind, they made it clear that anybody who rebelled would receive the same terrible fate. I think that in a way Menchu included these verses as a sort of tribute to her mother. I say this because of the line, "But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the hand of a women." Menchu's mother disappointed them by not giving in, by not breaking. "She pretended she knew nothing. she defended everyone until the end." Despite being raped repeatedly and subject to terrible torture she refused to give the soldiers any information about the whereabouts of her family because she knew that if she did, that they would be treated to the same fate as her own. Her strength is the kind we should all strive for.
2. In Chapter 27, Menchu describes the incredible courage he mother demonstrated during the torture as well as the gruesome and disturbing imagery associated with her death. How did her words make you feel? What story do they tell of war?
This was another very painful chapter for me to read. Menchus words make me sad. Sad seems like such a small word, like there is a better, more eloquent, word that I could use in its place but I don't think there is. I am saddened by the fact that these things happen in the world. This story tells of the horrors of war. It tells that it is nothing but corruption, and tears, and selfishness, and grief, and death. In a way I think that this chapter shows that war is a time where people either sink to the lowest levels or rise above. Rigoberta's mother is one who rose above.
3. Explain how death is handled in the Indian culture using chapter 28 as your guide.
In the beginning of the chapter, Menchu describes death as a preparation. It is something that the people know is going to happen so they get ready for it. A persons coffin is made for them before they even die. when someone feels like it is coming close for their time to leave this earth they call on their closest love one and make their last recommendations and recount their life and the secrets of the ancestors. Something interesting is that the recommendations are for the whole community to know but the secrets are only for that one loved one. After the person talks to their loved one they are then free to die peacefully. After the death, a ceremony is held by the community and respects are paid. this is one of the few times that the people eat meat. The night is spent talking about the persons lif, not only about the good things but the bad as well. Things are much different if a person dies accidentally or is murdered. In these cases, it is much more tragic. Menchu's people do not like killing so when someone dies an unnatural death it is very hard for them. During the war a person would give his recommendations before he went off into the mountains just incase somethhing happens to him.
4. One of my favorite quotations from the book comes from Rigoberta Menchu, and she uses it to start Chapter 29: "What hurts Indians most is that are costumes are considered beautiful, but it's as if the person wearing it doesn't exist." What does she mean when she says this?
The best example that explains what Rigoberta means by saying this quote is that of the Indian queens. She talks about how every year the Ladinos choose an Indian girl to act as the queen in one of their parades. This girl is taught the proper way to act and hold her self and is exhibited as a sort of star. She is dressed in her native clothing and presented to the public to admire. It is as though they only care that she looks pretty and is a good way to draw in spectators. They don't care about the actual girl in the dress at all.
5. Using chapter 30 as your guide, compare the lessons taught by Indian Women and Ladino Women.
Indian women are simple and hard working. They do not wear make up and they always wear traditional clothing. Ladino women change the way they dress and are too much about their appearance. I like something that Menchu's mother said that I think really highlights the difference between Ladino women and Indian women, she says, "My child, you don't need to paint your face because make-up abuses the wonders god has given us. Don't you learn this. Indian mothers teach thier children to be humble and to always remember where they came from.
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