Please answer all the questions below, and label your answers:
1. Aguantando: “Aguantando” is a Spanish word that means “holding out” or “holding on.”
A. Is this an appropriate title for this story? Why or why not, and be specific, with specific examples.
B. Discuss some of the difficulties Mami has endured in raising Yunior and Rafa as a ‘single’ mother.
C. Discuss your views on the ways in which Yunior thinks about his missing father.
2. Invierno: “Invierno” means ‘winter.’
A. Is this an appropriate title for this story? Why or why not, and again, be specific, with specific examples.
B. In “Aguantando,” Yunior and Rafa had a close relationship, but, what happens to that relationship when they come to New Jersey, and why do you think this happens?
C. Discuss the ways in which Mami’s relationship with the boys, and her role as their mother, changes when they arrive in the states, and why you think this happens. Again, be specific, and use specific examples.
3. In “Aguantando” Junot Diaz writes about his (Yunior’s) childhood living in the Dominican Republic with his mother (Mami) and brother (Rafa), and with their grandfather (Abuelo). For the most part, life was good for Yunior and Rafa, while difficult, but dignified, for Mami. Write about your childhood, and focus on the good. Pick a moment from your childhood when the world seemed right, and life for you was good. Bring that moment to life for your readers with a scene and dialogue. Use imagery to paint pictures for your reader. For all prompts this semester, write about 250 words.
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