Mexican Gothic

Throughout the novel, there are frequent references to fairytales and other gothic tales. What is the author’s overall purpose in alluding to other stories? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• In Chapter 15, Noemí alludes to Snow White and Beauty and the Beast. What about Catalina’s life brings these fairytales to mind for Noemí?
• Why does Noemí reference Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre in particular in Chapter 3?

Teaching Suggestion: A possible approach would be to divide students up into groups and assign each group one of the questions above. When they have discussed the question within their groups, consider having each group present their ideas to the class.

Differentiation Suggestion: Catalina’s situation has been compared to that of the protagonist of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Advanced learners might benefit from reading “The Yellow Wallpaper” on their own and annotating for similarities and differences between the two protagonists. How does High Place compare to the summer home of “The Yellow Wallpaper”?