...y no se lo tragó la tierra: “La noche buena” – Tomás Rivera
Elijah Ramirez
6 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers Tomás Rivera's short story "La noche buena," focusing on its plot, historical context (migrant worker experiences in the US), author background, title analysis, symbolism, and key themes such as cultural identity and socioeconomic divisions. It also provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP Spanish Literature exam.
#AP Spanish Literature: "La noche buena" Study Guide 🌟
Welcome! Let's dive into Tomás Rivera's poignant short story, "La noche buena," and get you feeling confident for your AP exam. This guide is designed to be your best friend the night before the test—clear, concise, and super helpful. Let's make this exam feel like a breeze!
#📚 Overview: "La noche buena"
- Part of the larger novel ...y no se lo tragó la tierra (1971) by Tomás Rivera
- Reflects the experiences of Mexican-American migrant farm workers in the 1940s-50s
- Focuses on a poor family's struggles during the holiday season
#📖 Plot Summary
- Doña Maria, a mother in Texas, wants to buy Christmas gifts for her children.
- She gets lost on her way to the Kres market.
- The crowded market overwhelms her; she doesn't speak much English.
- Accidentally shoplifts, gets arrested, but is released.
- Returns home empty-handed, like most years.
*Migrant workers in the US, similar to those depicted in Rivera's story.*
#🔍 Analysis
#🌎 Historical Context: Escritores contemporáneos de Estados Unidos
- Part of a wave of literature reflecting Hispanic experiences in the US.
- Stories of immigrants seeking a better life, facing challenges.
- Focus on the struggles and resilience of migrant workers.
#Migrant Workers in the US
- Early 20th century: Labor shortages in agricult...
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