Signs Preceding the End of the World

Consider Makina’s internal struggle between the North and South. How does Makina’s decision at the end of the novel speak to the idea of History as a Palimpsest? Is her decision the “end of the world” for her?

Teaching Suggestion: You may wish to review the theme of History as a Palimpsest as it relates to the novel with students prior to the discussion analysis. They may benefit from considering the presence of the colonial past in the novel, as it is seen, for instance, in the sinkhole at the beginning, in the resistance of cultural plurality that Makina observes in the North, and in the inevitability of cultural plurality, as seen in Chucho’s speech in Chapter 9 saying that changes in color and number are “already happening.” In this sense, Makina’s acceptance of her future is not “the end of the world,” but rather the end of her world as she knew it before.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from assistance in articulating their thoughts may find a three-part review of Makina’s internal struggle helpful. For example:

Beginning: Makina’s initial resistance to the idea of living in the North is related to the belief that she is needed back home as well as her disdain for the lifestyle in the North.