These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

What is motherly love? What figures from folklore, religious tradition, or pop culture do you associate with your definition of motherhood and motherly love?

Teaching Suggestion: Use this prompt to help students begin to create a working picture and definition of motherhood and motherly love. Return to these discussions as students encounter different motherly figures throughout the novel. You might also discuss how the topic of motherhood relates to the novel’s themes of Misogyny or Female Stereotypes.

Post-Reading Analysis

Folktales and legends, especially ancient ones, are often seen as long-form metaphors for the human experience. Everything is symbolic from this point of view. What might monsters (in general) represent? When do they go from being benevolent beings to frightening, evil ones?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may have some difficulty answering this question. Consider supporting them with a quote about monsters and what they reveal about humanity, such as this quote from Mike Carey: “We make our own monsters, then fear them for what they show us about ourselves.” Ask students what they think of this quote and whether they agree or disagree. You can also push students further (and narrow the scope) by challenging them to analyze what each of the monstrous figures in Summer of the Mariposas might represent.