Gender in Literature & Media: Junot Diaz homework: Due 10.10.14

Please answer the following questions:

1)  In the short story "Ysrael," Diaz toys with the concept of deformities.  There is the obvious issue of Ysrael's physical deformity, but what other elements of the story could we attach to that word?  Do we always need to associate the term to a human physicality?  Explain, using examples from the text to support your ideas.

2) In "Fiesta, 1980," some human frailties are exposed.  Identify at least two characters who have some kind of weakness about them, and explain the purpose you think Diaz attaches those weaknesses to them.

Be prepared to discuss your responses in class during the Socratic Seminar.

 24 points!