Under the Mesquite

Fiction | Poem | Published in 2011

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Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

Part 2, Chapters 7-12

Part 3, Chapters 13-23

Part 4, Chapters 24-33

Part 5, Chapters 34-40

Part 6, Chapters 41-47

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Analyze the symbolism of the mesquite. What does it symbolize, and how is it important to the story as a whole?

Analyze Lupita’s character development. What major moments inform her development, and how does that development influence McCall’s theme?

Lupita must navigate between different languages and cultures. Write about a time when you had to code switch in order to fit in. How did you feel? Can we navigate between different identities, or must we choose only one? Explain your reasoning.