LITR 4332: American Minority
Literature
Student Poetry Presentation 2007
Monday, 30 April: Pat Mora, “Depression Days” UA 119-20.
Reader: Jennifer Mason
Depression Days
by Pat Mora
Background Information
Last week, Tami Gilley presented another poem by Pat Mora titled "Elena." Mora's biography has not changed. She was born in El Paso in 1942, as everyone heard last week. By now, everyone is familiar with her name and her accomplishments. Therefore, it is the focus of this background to attempt to get to know Mora’s insight and talent rather than her history.
Mora stresses the importance of family love and support in her works as well as the necessity of literacy amongst the Mexican American population. Her poetry inspires and touches an otherwise voiceless population. The reader is able to visualize the portrait she tries to paint to understand a world that to some may be unimaginable.
Sherry York had this to say about Mora, “She is a poet, a crafter of words, a dreamer, a kind and generous soul, an advocate for children, and a friend of librarians. She is a Tejana, a Latina, a Mexican American, a citizen of the United States and of the world. She lives in New Mexico, in Kentucky, in the schools and libraries she visits, and in the hearts of those who have read her works”.
Mora describes writing poetry as lyrical and compares the substance to that of music. She speaks to the younger population and incites involvement in literacy programs due to her ability to reach the minority. Her passion for poetry is her contribution to society.
Objectives
Objective 4: To register the minority dilemma of assimilation or resistance – i.e., do you fight or join the culture that oppressed you? What balance do minorities strike between economic benefits and personal or cultural sacrifices? In general, immigrants assimilate, while minorities (esp. African Americans) remain distinct.
Objective 5: To study the influence of minority writers and speakers on literature, literacy, and language.
(5a.) To discover the power of poetry and fiction to help “others” hear the minority voice and vicariously share the minority experience.
Discussion Questions
- Do you feel that this is a good example of distinction or assimilation? Do you feel Mora was effective? Why or why not?
- What message do you think she is trying to convey about the family unit? Do you feel she is pessimistic or optimistic?
- The poem begins and ends with the line, “I buy the dark with my last fifteen cents.” What do you think Mora is trying to portray through this character? Can this cross over to other minority groups?
Pat Mora once said, “Writing poetry improves all writing. It is an ultimate challenge. It makes you conscious of the weight and sound of every word. Poetry is one of my sources of delight; it provides avenues for learning about the human heart including my own. Poetry is words woven together to create a musical surprise” (Hopkins).
Resources
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. “Pat Mora.” Teaching PreK-8 36.4 (2006): 61-61. Academic Search Premier. 14 April 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com.
York, Sherry. “Author Profile: Pat Mora.” Library Talk 15.4 (2002): 26. Academic Search Premier. 14 April 2007. http://search.ebscohost.com.
For more information on Pat Mora, visit her website at www.patmora.com.
(Jennifer Mason)
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