Do men see women as part of “la patria,” and if so, where/how do women fit into the men’s vision of “la patria”? Are you surprised to find a woman rising to the status of national poet given these attitudes?

1. One of the governing questions in the novel is, “What is a patria?” After reading the novel, what is the connection (if any) between gender roles and developing a sense of “patria?”

2. Do women in the novel have a better grasp of “la patria” than men?

3. Do men see women as part of “la patria,” and if so, where/how do women fit into the men’s vision of “la patria”? Are you surprised to find a woman rising to the status of national poet given these attitudes?

4. What is the significance of Camila’s relationship with Marion? Can you connect it with anything in the previous generation?

5. Salome forsakes writing patriotic poetry in order to be a mother and a teacher. Does the novel seem to justify these choices or criticize them? Does this novel believe in romance? Does duty always triumph over desire?

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