Dede Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: The questions that follow are intended to inspire close consideration of your chosen character and
those characters with whom your character interacts. The topics in these questions are addressed in pages 70-75.
Reread, then discuss. Finally, write a paragraph-long response to each, commenting as well on the
personality/nature of the character as revealed to you. This material will help you to write the essay at the
conclusion of the reading of the novel.
Then individually do the final question, an open one that invites you to add observations based on
other passages. There is much material after the above passage to consider.
1.
2.
3.
4.
In chapter 5, during a volleyball game in which Dede participates and its aftermath, Jaimito and Lio
(Virgilio) Morales have a disagreement that gets a bit physical. What is the impetus for the fight? In this
passage, what is revealed about Jaimito, Dede’s future husband? What does the narration (the
description of Dede’s experience in remembering these events) convey about Dede? (pp. 70-75)
What tension is developed around Mama’s comments about Virgilio as opposed to Jaimito? (pp. 70-75)
Dede has a conversation with Mama about Virgilio, Papa, and the political situation in the Dominican
Republic. What is the conversation about? What is revealed about Dede’s understanding of events
around her? (pp. 74-75)
Final Question: As noted above, make observations about your character based on the reading. Include
in your response (but do not limit yourself to this) the forces pushing Dede toward political involvement,
and the forces restraining Dede from political involvement.
Dede Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: The questions that follow are intended to inspire close consideration of your chosen character and
those characters with whom your character interacts. The topics in these questions are addressed in pages 70-75.
Reread, then discuss. Finally, write a paragraph-long response to each, commenting as well on the
personality/nature of the character as revealed to you. This material will help you to write the essay at the
conclusion of the reading of the novel.
Then individually do the final question, an open one that invites you to add observations based on
other passages. There is much material after the above passage to consider.
1.
In chapter 5, during a volleyball game in which Dede participates and its aftermath, Jaimito and Lio
(Virgilio) Morales have a disagreement that gets a bit physical. What is the impetus for the fight? In this passage,
what is revealed about Jaimito, Dede’s future husband? What does the narration (the description of Dede’s
experience in remembering these events) convey about Dede? (pp. 70-75)
2.
What tension is developed around Mama’s comments about Virgilio as opposed to Jaimito? (pp. 70-75)
3.
Dede has a conversation with Mama about Virgilio, Papa, and the political situation in the Dominican
Republic. What is the conversation about? What is revealed about Dede’s understanding of events around her?
(pp. 74-75)
4.
Final Question: As noted above, make observations about your character based on the reading. Include
in your response (but do not limit yourself to this) the forces pushing Dede toward political involvement, and the
forces restraining Dede from political involvement.
Minerva Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: In chapter 5, Minerva plays a subsidiary role. Chapter 6 is narrated by Minerva and covers 1949. You have read pp.
84-102 of chapter 6. Today you will consider important passages that inform your understanding of the character, as a person
and as a politically involved citizen. Split up evenly these pages amongst the group members and reconsider the reading. Then
do the following:
1.
2.
3.
Individually respond to the broad question: What of significance do you note that reveals Minerva’s personality and
political involvement? What changes in personality and involvement do you observe? In what ways does her
personality lead her into politics? What forces are at work to restrain her involvement? Write a full response in your
notes that includes page numbers for specific references.
Taking turns, share your observations with your partners. Give them time to take bullet point notes that include page
numbers as to where to find the material. Share with one another your observations. In that process of sharing, each
member should add clear and specific notes.
Finally, have a closing discussion in which you share your thoughts about the character thus far in the novel.
Minerva Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: In chapter 5, Minerva plays a subsidiary role. Chapter 6 is narrated by Minerva and covers 1949. You have read pp.
84-102 of chapter 6. Today you will consider important passages that inform your understanding of the character, as a person
and as a politically involved citizen. Split up evenly these pages amongst the group members and reconsider the reading. Then
do the following:
1.
Individually respond to the broad question: What of significance do you note that reveals Minerva’s personality and
political involvement? What changes in personality and involvement do you observe? In what ways does her personality lead
her into politics? What forces are at work to restrain her involvement? Write a full response in your notes that includes page
numbers for specific references.
2.
Taking turns, share your observations with your partners. Give them time to take bullet point notes that include page
numbers as to where to find the material. Share with one another your observations. In that process of sharing, each member
should add clear and specific notes.
3.
Finally, have a closing discussion in which you share your thoughts about the character thus far in the novel.
Minerva Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: In chapter 5, Minerva plays a subsidiary role. Chapter 6 is narrated by Minerva and covers 1949. You have read pp.
84-102 of chapter 6. Today you will consider important passages that inform your understanding of the character, as a person
and as a politically involved citizen. Split up evenly these pages amongst the group members and reconsider the reading. Then
do the following:
1.
Individually respond to the broad question: What of significance do you note that reveals Minerva’s personality and
political involvement? What changes in personality and involvement do you observe? In what ways does her personality lead
her into politics? What forces are at work to restrain her involvement? Write a full response in your notes that includes page
numbers for specific references.
2.
Taking turns, share your observations with your partners. Give them time to take bullet point notes that include page
numbers as to where to find the material. Share with one another your observations. In that process of sharing, each member
should add clear and specific notes.
3.
Finally, have a closing discussion in which you share your thoughts about the character thus far in the novel.
Patria Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: Patria plays a minor role in these two chapters. Your work today will revolve around that minor role, as well as
consideration of Patria as a character through chapter 4, and your prediction of Patria’s future involvement in the political life
of the Dominican Republic.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Discuss Patria as we meet her in the first four chapters—her personality, changes she undergoes, her relationship
with other characters, including her husband, any differences you note between herself and other characters.
Write a full response individually as to #1.
Review pages 94-102, the Discovery Dance. What is Patria’s role in this event? How involved is she, both in her
emotional reactions (feelings) and action? Discuss and take notes.
Predict Patria’s ultimate involvement in the political situation. Will she get involved? To a great extent or little? Why
do you think so? Write a one-paragraph predictive paragraph that includes your reasoning.
Patria Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: Patria plays a minor role in these two chapters. Your work today will revolve around that minor role, as well as
consideration of Patria as a character through chapter 4, and your prediction of Patria’s future involvement in the political
life of the Dominican Republic.
1. Discuss Patria as we meet her in the first four chapters—her personality, changes she undergoes, her relationship
with other characters, including her husband, any differences you note between herself and other characters.
2.
Write a full response individually as to #1.
3. Review pages 94-102, the Discovery Dance. What is Patria’s role in this event? How involved is she, both in her
emotional reactions (feelings) and action? Discuss and take notes.
4. Predict Patria’s ultimate involvement in the political situation. Will she get involved? To a great extent or little? Why
do you think so? Write a one-paragraph predictive paragraph that includes your reasoning.
Patria Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: Patria plays a minor role in these two chapters. Your work today will revolve around that minor role, as well as
consideration of Patria as a character through chapter 4, and your prediction of Patria’s future involvement in the political
life of the Dominican Republic.
1. Discuss Patria as we meet her in the first four chapters—her personality, changes she undergoes, her relationship
with other characters, including her husband, any differences you note between herself and other characters.
2.
Write a full response individually as to #1.
3. Review pages 94-102, the Discovery Dance. What is Patria’s role in this event? How involved is she, both in her
emotional reactions (feelings) and action? Discuss and take notes.
4. Predict Patria’s ultimate involvement in the political situation. Will she get involved? To a great extent or little? Why
do you think so? Write a one-paragraph predictive paragraph that includes your reasoning.
Patria Discussion Questions: Chapters 5 and 6
Name:
Directions: Patria plays a minor role in these two chapters. Your work today will revolve around that minor role, as well as
consideration of Patria as a character through chapter 4, and your prediction of Patria’s future involvement in the political
life of the Dominican Republic.
1. Discuss Patria as we meet her in the first four chapters—her personality, changes she undergoes, her relationship
with other characters, including her husband, any differences you note between herself and other characters.
2.
Write a full response individually as to #1.
3. Review pages 94-102, the Discovery Dance. What is Patria’s role in this event? How involved is she, both in her
emotional reactions (feelings) and action? Discuss and take notes.
4. Predict Patria’s ultimate involvement in the political situation. Will she get involved? To a great extent or little? Why
do you think so? Write a one-paragraph predictive paragraph that includes your reasoning.
5.
5.
5.