Summer of the Mariposas, Chapter 14

What is a possible theme evident in this excerpt of chapter 14 of Summer of the Mariposas?

• It is important to trust others.

• Our culture builds our identity.

• Do not trust those you do not know.

• Things are not always as they appear.

How is this theme developed in this chapter? What relationship does the theme have to the characters, setting, and plot?

• This theme is developed when Chencho first appears to be a shepherd boy, turns out to be the chupacabra, but then the sisters learn that he is, in fact, simply a sad boy with a sad story.

• This theme is developed when the sisters trust Chencho wholeheartedly but quickly learn that he is evil and unkind and realize that they made a mistake in trusting him.

• This theme is developed when the sisters take the advice of Tonantzin and La Llorona and realize that the advice they have been taught from these goddesses is what they need to defeat Chencho.

• This theme is developed when the sisters at first do not trust Chencho and are unkind to him but quickly learn that he is truly trustworthy and kind and learn to trust him.

Where else in the book has the author developed this theme? Choose all that apply.

• This theme is developed when the sisters see the lechuzas approaching and realize that the lechuzas are trying to destroy them.

• This theme is also developed when Cecilia first appears to be kind and gentle and supportive of the sisters but turns out to be evil and aiming to harm the sisters.

• This theme is also developed when Odilia does not believe or trust La Llorona, but over time realized that La Llorona is good and is protecting her and her sisters.

• This theme is also developed when the sisters sing the song of the cave and summon Tonantzin to rescue them from the nagual.

What is a theme evident in this excerpt of chapter 13 of Summer of the Mariposas? (RL.8.2)

• It is best to face our fears on our own, head on, to overcome them.

• Being kind and pure of heart can help people live fuller, more meaningful lives.

• When humans are weak and sinful, supernatural powers are stronger.

• Things are not always as they appear.

How is this theme developed in this chapter? What relationship does the theme have to the characters, setting, and plot? (RL.8.1, RL.8.2)

• This theme is developed when the sisters stand side by side, circling around Pita, who has no weapon, in order to protect one another—an act of kindness and purity toward one another.

• This theme is developed when the sisters are unable to defeat the lechuzas until Odilia calls upon Tonantzin who rescues the girls and defeats the evils owls.

• This theme is developed when Delia and Velia leave their other sisters and are then able to find tools to use as weapons. Then, the twins defeat the lechuzas on their own.

• This theme is developed when Odilia feels sorry for the lechuzas, realizes that they were not as evil as they appeared, and wishes that she and her sisters had treated them with respect.

Where else in the book has the author developed this theme? (RL.8.1, RL.8.2)

• This theme is also developed when La Llorona warns the girls to be pure of heart and when Cecilia curses and punishes the girls for not being kind and for disrespecting her.

• This theme is also developed when the sisters realize that Chencho is also the chupacabra and that, while he is dangerous, he is also sad and lonely.

• This theme is also developed when Odilia is not sure how to defeat the nagual but is able to summon Tonantzin, who overcomes him.

• This theme is also developed when Odilia repeatedly has to come up with her own plan to keep her sisters safe and must do so alone.