Context

Question 1

What genre is the novel

Answer 1

Magical realism

Question 2

How does the ranch represent Mexican society at the time

Answer 2

It can be seen as a microcosm (un microcosmo) of Mexico during the Revolution. ME is the dictator, Gertrude’s the rebel who wants to change the order of things, Tita the downtrodden citizen who needs to be liberated from oppression

Question 3

Social background

Answer 3

The De La Garza family were quite rich, so keeping up appearances was important.
Manual de Carreño was an etiquette guide.

Question 4

Cultural context

Answer 4

Role of women:
Obedient housewives and mothers. Wash dishes, cook etc
Education:
Most women didn’t get a secondary education. Rosaura doesn’t care to educate Esperanza because she believes her only duty would be to take care of her
Sexuality and prejudice:
Sex for women seen as functional. Gertrudis disowned for working in the brothel. Chencha worried no man will marry her because she was raped so not a virgin

Question 5

What quote shows that Rosaura didn’t care to educate her daughter

Answer 5

“lo consideraba una pérdida de tiempo”