Mexican Gothic

Research the characteristics of the Gothic novel. How does Mexican Gothic compare and contrast with the traditional Gothic? How does Moreno-Garcia revise the genre in Mexican Gothic?

Consider the history of European colonialism, imperialism, and modern economic domination in non-European cultures and countries. How does Moreno-Garcia use this historical context in the novel?

Compare and contrast several of the novel’s female figures—Noemí, Catalina, Florence, Ruth, Agnes, Marta, and Alice. What point about women’s roles does Moreno-Garcia make, given the wide differences between these women?

Describe Moreno-Garcia’s representation of Mexican culture in the novel, taking care to include folk culture and spiritual practices. What is Noemí’s relationship with this culture?

Research the symbolism of snakes in Mexican culture and the ouroboros in Western culture. How does the meaning of the snake symbolism change throughout the novel?

Research the history of eugenics in Western culture, particularly in the 20th century. Discuss the role of eugenics in the novel.

Noemí rescues Francis from his family and promises him a happy ending, despite her unspoken misgivings that he may possibly carry the golden mushrooms within him. Consider what you know about fairytales and romance. What impact does this refusal to provide a neatly packaged and happy ending have on you as the reader?

Noemí overcomes long odds to survive the Doyles. What elements of her personality and history enable her to survive? What traits make her vulnerable to them?