27 pages 54 minutes read

Julia Alvarez

The Daughter of Invention

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1993

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Essay Topics

1.

In the structure of “Daughter of Invention,” Laura stops inventing before Yoyo begins writing her speech. How are Laura’s inventions and Yoyo’s writing connected within their family dynamics? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

2.

How does the symbol of the typewriter change from the beginning to the end of the story? 

3.

There are many different names used for Laura throughout “Daughter of Invention.” How do the different names used for her—Laura, Mami, Mom—reflect the different parts of her identity? What does this reveal about the roles Laura plays in her family? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

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