a. Analysis of the language used in the text. What figurative language elements or elements
of diction do you wish to respond to through a brief analysis? What effect do these
language elements have on your understanding of the text?
b. Evaluate a major conflict in the text. Why is the conflict significant? Does the central
character resolve the central conflict (why, or why not)?
c. Analyze specific character traits within a central character. What does the selected
character do or say some of the things he/she does or says? How do other characters
feel about the central character (and vice versa)?
d. Interpret a specific symbol within the text. What is the deeper meaning behind the
symbol?
e. Connection to the context of the text. What type of connection do you see between the
text and the historical or sociological background associated with the text? Or, is there a
connection between the text and more contemporary aspects of literature that you wish
to identify?
Sample Reading Response: from The Squatter and the Don
Strong Line:
“‘I don’t want any cattle. I ain’t no ‘vaquero’ to go ‘busquering’ around and
lassoing cattle’ … said Mathews… ‘You will not have to be a vaquero. I don’t go ‘busquering’
around lassoing, unless I wish to do so,’ said the Don” (Ruiz de Burton 116).
“‘Perhaps you understand vaquering; we don’t,’ said Hancock; all laughed (117).
Response: The squatters’ reluctance to accept Don Mariano’s suggestion to put their efforts into
raising vineyards, fruit, and cattle stems from their inner pride, which prevents them from
allowing Don Mariano to take on the role power—essentially the power to dictate how they
should earn their living. Don Mariano, being of Mexican descent, is considered a part of the
lower social class in the U.S social structure. The squatters must maintain their dominant
position in relation to him. When Mathews asserts that he does not go “busquering,” his tone is
condescending. He blends the Spanish buscar with the English –ing ending in a cynical way that
is meant to diminish Don Mariano’s authority. In addition, Hancock does the same thing when
he notes that although the Don might understand “vaquering” (again, merging the Spanish
vaquero with the English –ing ending), he doesn’t. The squatters’ condescension not only
reflects their disregard for Don Mariano’s knowledge and experience, but it also supports the
idea that these men do not want to cross over to the Don’s/Mexican American’s way of life.
Even though it makes sense to listen to Don Mariano because he and his community know the
area and have had success with vineyards, fruit, and cattle, squatters like Mathews and Hancock
refuse to take part in his plan because the know that if they take part in his way of making a
living, then they will begin to blur the line that keeps the squatters in the dominant class.
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