Identify a specific theme in Perfect Mexican Daughter and discuss three ways in which the theme is expressed by virtue of the characters, plot (events), literary devices, conflicts, settings, dialogue, patterns, or anything else you can think of.
The theme of a literary work is its underlying central idea, or the generalization it communicates about life. As you read, think about the message Erika Sanchez is making about the Mexican-American experience, particularly from a female perspective. What revelation about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of society, or insight into the human condition is the author attempting to convey throughout the novel? At times, the author’s theme may not conform to or agree with your own beliefs, but even then, if it is skillfully written, the work will still have a theme that illuminates some aspects of true human experience.
Write a well-organized, five-paragraph essay of at least four to five pages (1,000-1,250 words) that identifies one of the themes that we have discussed in class that you believe the author conveys throughout the novel. Use evidence from the text to support your analysis by either direct quotes or paraphrasing in your own words what occurs in the novel.
Don't forget what you learned in the Incorporating Evidence sections of our textbook!
Possible Themes in Perfect Mexican Daughter
Secrets & Lies
Restlessness & Ambition
Family/Cultural Identity vs Self-Identity
Poverty & Entrapment
Feminism
Romanticism
Existentialism
Mental Illness
Come Up With Your Own Theme