In “The Literature of the Americas,” Kimberly Koza writes: “By discovering the literature of our neighbors, we may also learn about ourselves.” Keeping this quote in mind, respond to the question.

Question

In “The Literature of the Americas,” Kimberly Koza writes: “By discovering the literature of our neighbors, we may also learn about ourselves.” Keeping this quote in mind, respond to the question.

Choose a selection from this unit, and write a paragraph that explains how Koza’s statement applies to the theme of the selection. Include at least two supporting details or examples. Be sure to include the title of the selection and indicate whether the author comes from Canada or Latin America.

Answer 1

In the selection "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, an American author, Kimberly Koza's statement is highly applicable to the theme of the story. Through the exploration of the literature of our neighbors, we gain a deeper understanding of our own heritage and identity. In "Everyday Use," the theme of cultural heritage is explored as the two sisters, Maggie and Dee, have contrasting views on their family's quilts. Dee, who has embraced her African roots and changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, sees the quilts as mere artifacts to be displayed. Maggie, on the other hand, understands their deep familial and cultural significance. The quilts are a symbol of their ancestors' struggle, love, and tradition. Through this story, we are reminded of the importance of knowing and appreciating our own heritage, as it shapes who we are and where we come from. It prompts us to reflect on our own cultural identity and deepens our understanding of ourselves.

Answer 2

Based on Kimberly Koza's quote, the idea that by exploring the literature of our neighbors we can gain self-knowledge, it is relevant to the theme of identity in the selection "The Death of Artemio Cruz" by Carlos Fuentes, a Latin American author. In this novel, Fuentes delves into the complex layers of identity within Mexican society through the character of Artemio Cruz. The story follows Cruz's life, from his revolutionary youth to his corrupt and powerful position in the post-revolutionary era. Through Cruz's journey, Fuentes examines the multifaceted nature of Mexican identity, exploring the tensions between tradition and modernity, between individualism and collective history. Through this exploration, readers not only learn about the struggles and contradictions in Mexican society but also reflect on their own sense of identity and the complexities that shape it. Two supporting examples include Cruz's conflicted relationship with his heritage and his internal struggle to reconcile his personal ambitions with the collective memory of his country. Through these examples and the novel as a whole, Fuentes allows readers to reflect on their own identities in the context of broader social and historical forces.