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Author: Kristy Placido
2015
Nonfiction/Biography
Country: Mexico
Summary:
Written in intermediate Spanish, the book follows the life of Frida Kahlo, beginning with the life of her father. He was a German who immigrated to Mexico where he married a half Armenian half Spanish woman. Together the couple had several children, Frida being one of them. Throughout her childhood, Frida suffered from many health problems that hindered her from having a full childhood. Later in life, a tragic accident left her bedridden, providing her with immeasurable time that she chose to spend painting. She grew a passion for art and, after recovery, she continued to feed her talent, becoming the beloved artist we know her as today.
Questions:
1.) Culturally, the book revealed the most about family relations, gender roles, and political issues of Fridas time. One sees in both Frida's parents' marriage and her own that gender roles are more traditional and outdated. For instance, her first marriage with Diego Rivera occurs despite the 20 year age gap (which was not taboo) and he is found to be unfaithful (more accepted in the past, especially coming from men). The reader also learns of her association with Mexicos communist party which gives insight to the unstable politics of Mexico in the early 1900s during the Revolution.
2.) It was actually quite hard to draw connections between my culture and Fridas from this book considering it focused mainly on her chronic health issues and artistic success; however, apart from her early injuries, her childhood somewhat reminds me of growing up in Sweden. There is a sense of simplicity and a greater appreciation for nature that is not as prevalent in American society.
3.) I was able to draw connections between myself and Frida Kahlo. I too have chronic health issues (though not as serious as hers) and have spent some time in hospitals. I understand how this can interfere with feeling like a normal person at times. Being bedridden and worried for ones health is frustrating to say the least, and I can relate to needing an outlet. I too use art as a form of stress relief and expression, and drawing is one of my favorite passions, making me feel more connected to Frida.
4.) I think the greatest conflicts in the book are universal and something that is very difficult to "resolve". Frida's health issues were a chronic, life-long struggle. Some may see her success as an artist as a way of "overcoming" these challenges; however, her health problems never truly disappeared. She found ways to cope with her illnesses, but they couldn't be erased. Therefore, it is difficult to say if challenges such as these were ever "resolved".
5.) The experience of reading this book changed my world view in a couple of ways. First, the book was fully in Spanish which was a challenge; however, it made reading it more enriching in a sense. By reading a book in the language attached to its subject, you gain a new appreciation for the language. By reading in Spanish, I feel a greater excitement for learning the language. It has encouraged me to continue studying Spanish past high school. As for how I view the world, reading this book made me feel as if the Earth is cruel. I saw the many hard-ships that Frida dealt with, making life seem scary. Despite this, her perseverance and success created a greater drive within me to not only inspect art, but the person behind it. It made me realize there is so much to know about so many people and places that I will never learn enough.
6.) I believe that the underlying message is that identity comes from pushing through the obstacles life throws your way. This is proven in Frida's ability to find a passion (that leads to her success) after many family and health problems. This applies to all cultures because no person is ever completely free from burdens. By turning to sources of joy, hobbies, and passions, these obstacles become what they most often are–temporary.
2015
Nonfiction/Biography
Country: Mexico
Summary:
Written in intermediate Spanish, the book follows the life of Frida Kahlo, beginning with the life of her father. He was a German who immigrated to Mexico where he married a half Armenian half Spanish woman. Together the couple had several children, Frida being one of them. Throughout her childhood, Frida suffered from many health problems that hindered her from having a full childhood. Later in life, a tragic accident left her bedridden, providing her with immeasurable time that she chose to spend painting. She grew a passion for art and, after recovery, she continued to feed her talent, becoming the beloved artist we know her as today.
Questions:
1.) Culturally, the book revealed the most about family relations, gender roles, and political issues of Fridas time. One sees in both Frida's parents' marriage and her own that gender roles are more traditional and outdated. For instance, her first marriage with Diego Rivera occurs despite the 20 year age gap (which was not taboo) and he is found to be unfaithful (more accepted in the past, especially coming from men). The reader also learns of her association with Mexicos communist party which gives insight to the unstable politics of Mexico in the early 1900s during the Revolution.
2.) It was actually quite hard to draw connections between my culture and Fridas from this book considering it focused mainly on her chronic health issues and artistic success; however, apart from her early injuries, her childhood somewhat reminds me of growing up in Sweden. There is a sense of simplicity and a greater appreciation for nature that is not as prevalent in American society.
3.) I was able to draw connections between myself and Frida Kahlo. I too have chronic health issues (though not as serious as hers) and have spent some time in hospitals. I understand how this can interfere with feeling like a normal person at times. Being bedridden and worried for ones health is frustrating to say the least, and I can relate to needing an outlet. I too use art as a form of stress relief and expression, and drawing is one of my favorite passions, making me feel more connected to Frida.
4.) I think the greatest conflicts in the book are universal and something that is very difficult to "resolve". Frida's health issues were a chronic, life-long struggle. Some may see her success as an artist as a way of "overcoming" these challenges; however, her health problems never truly disappeared. She found ways to cope with her illnesses, but they couldn't be erased. Therefore, it is difficult to say if challenges such as these were ever "resolved".
5.) The experience of reading this book changed my world view in a couple of ways. First, the book was fully in Spanish which was a challenge; however, it made reading it more enriching in a sense. By reading a book in the language attached to its subject, you gain a new appreciation for the language. By reading in Spanish, I feel a greater excitement for learning the language. It has encouraged me to continue studying Spanish past high school. As for how I view the world, reading this book made me feel as if the Earth is cruel. I saw the many hard-ships that Frida dealt with, making life seem scary. Despite this, her perseverance and success created a greater drive within me to not only inspect art, but the person behind it. It made me realize there is so much to know about so many people and places that I will never learn enough.
6.) I believe that the underlying message is that identity comes from pushing through the obstacles life throws your way. This is proven in Frida's ability to find a passion (that leads to her success) after many family and health problems. This applies to all cultures because no person is ever completely free from burdens. By turning to sources of joy, hobbies, and passions, these obstacles become what they most often are–temporary.