Burro Genius

Examine the role of language and storytelling in the memoir. How does Villaseñor’s experience with both Spanish and English shape his identity and sense of self? How does he depict his development as a writer?

Villaseñor’s narration extensively documents his experience of racism, abuse, and learning struggles at school. How does he depict the American educational system? How does he represent the flaws and possibilities of formal education throughout the memoir?

Villaseñor’s Yaqui grandmother is a prominent figure throughout the narrative. How does Villaseñor describe her cultural values? How do her values help define his worldview and mentality? How does he contrast these values with the dominant values of white American society?

What does the text reveal about gender role expectations in Villaseñor’s family, and how does Villaseñor counter stereotypical views of Mexican American machismo? What different conceptions of masculinity does Villaseñor encounter as he grows up?

Analyze Villaseñor’s relationship with the natural world, identifying key moments in the text. How do natural elements function in the text? What is their wider thematic and symbolic significance?

Describe Villaseñor’s relationship with his brother, Joseph. How is Joseph characterized? In what ways does he serve as a foil to the young Villaseñor?

How does the memoir explore the power of community and friendship? How do ideas of community help shape Villaseñor’s sense of self?

How does Villaseñor explore the tensions between rage and forgiveness in the memoir? How does his thinking about these concepts evolve throughout the memoir?