1. Poniatowska was one of the pioneers in the development of the “Novela testimonial” (testimonial novels). Explain how these types of books challenge the way modern Mexican history has been written.
2. This book was published in 1969 and could be read as an assessment of thge achievements of the Mexican Revolution. With that in mind, Jesusa Palancares was born around 1900 (the Porfiriato), and as a soldadera, fought in the Mexican Revolution. The goals of many revolutionaries included agriarian reform and social justice. Briefly discuss her role as a soldadera. As a veteran of the Mexican Revolution, what did the Revolution mean to her? Did she benefit from the Revolution?
3. One of the main goals of the triumphant revolutionaries was to create a “new” man and woman and strong national idenioty that could unify all the people in Mexico. According to Bonfil Batalla, Mexico has not crteated national idenity and culture. Using Jesusa as the prime example, do you agree or disagree with Bonfil Batalla and why?
4. At least until the 1960s, one can argue that Jesusa was a representative of the poor women in Mexico. Use Jesusa to explain how poverty, social exclusion, and women’s oppresion were reproduced in Mexico over the decades (from 1900 to the late 1960s). Using Jesusa as an example, how did poor women cope (and resist) with the harshness of poverty and social exclusion?
5. Lastly, What is your assessment of the Revolution (did it improve the conditions of most Mexicans?).
