A Polished Hoe
This is the Caribbean island where “A Polished Hoe” is set.
What is Bimshire?
This novel, “The Farming of Bones,” is set during the 1937 massacre ordered by this Dominican dictator.
Who is Rafael Trujillo?
Frida Kahlo was married twice to this famous Mexican muralist, known for his grand public works.
Who is Diego Rivera?
The title “Black Robe” refers to this group of French missionaries who traveled to New France to convert Indigenous peoples.
Who are the Jesuits?
The first activity we did during our first class
What is Map Labeling?
In “A Polished Hoe,” this character confesses to murder at the beginning of the novel.
Who is Mary-Mathilda?
Amabelle, the protagonist, works as a servant in the household of this Dominican family.
Who are the Valencia family?
Frida’s art was deeply influenced by her lifelong struggle with pain, which began after she suffered this traumatic event as a teenager.
What is a bus accident?
The film “Black Robe” is set in the early 1600s in this historical region, now part of Canada.
What is New France?
The short story we read by the author Krzysztof Pelc.
What is "Green Velvet"?
The main symbol in this book represents both agricultural labor and violence.
What is the hoe?
The title “The Farming of Bones” refers to this backbreaking labor, which many Haitian workers performed in the Dominican Republic.
What is cutting sugarcane?
This iconic house, now a museum in Mexico City, was both Frida’s home and a vibrant reflection of her identity.
What is La Casa Azul (The Blue House)?
In “Black Robe,” Father Laforgue embarks on a dangerous journey to reach this Indigenous group, known for their farming lifestyle and fortified villages.
Who are the Huron (or Wendat)?
The short story we read by the author Sherman Alexie.
What is "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona"?
This oppressive colonial system serves as the backdrop for the events in “A Polished Hoe.”
What is plantation slavery?
The 1937 massacre targeted Haitians and those of Haitian descent living in the Dominican Republic. It is also known by this event’s name in history.
What is the Parsley Massacre?
Frida’s art often incorporated this Mexican cultural tradition, celebrating death as part of life and featuring symbols like skeletons and marigolds.
What is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
In the film, Father Laforgue’s faith is tested by the actions of this group, who are portrayed as fierce rivals of the Huron.
Who are the Iroquois (or Haudenosaunee)?
The first reading assignment of class.
What is "The Destruction of the Indies"?
Mary-Mathilda’s confession unravels her complex relationship with this man, who represents colonial power and exploitation.
Who is Mr. Bellfeels?
This recurring symbol in the novel represents memory, grief, and the fluid boundary between life and death.
What is water?
Frida Kahlo’s political beliefs were deeply influenced by this ideology, which she shared with Diego Rivera and reflected in her support for revolutionary movements.
What is communism?
This spiritual and cultural clash is central to “Black Robe,” highlighting differences between Christianity and the beliefs of Indigenous peoples like the Algonquin and Iroquois.
What is the conflict between European religion and Indigenous spirituality?
The spelling of our Professor's last name.
What is S-U-E-S-S?