Discuss the role or function of music in My Name is Maria Isabel and Yang the Youngest and his Terrible Ear.

You have a couple of options for this week’s reflection. Choose one of the following and write a reflection that is 250 words in length (Please double-space this reflection.):

• Discuss the role or function of music in My Name is Maria Isabel and Yang the Youngest and his Terrible Ear.  Why is it important in these novels? How are the main characters involved with music? What does it reveal about the characters and the stories? If you can relate  personally to either of their experiences, you can also write a few sentences about how that is the case. Write about 125 words for each novel and use one quotation from each novel as supporting evidence for one of your points. Follow each quotation with an author/page citation. 
• Discuss the role of names and naming in My Name is Maria Isabel and Yang the Youngest and his Terrible Ear.  Consider how names connect one to family and heritage, how the bearer of the name and those around them respond to their names. If you can relate  personally to either of their experiences, you can also write a few sentences about how that is the case. Write about 125 words for each novel and use one quotation from each novel as supporting evidence for one of your points. Follow each quotation with an author/page citation. 
• What do we learn about the immigrant experience from My Name is Maria Isabel and Yang the Youngest and his Terrible Ear. Consider how others perceive and respond to Maria Isabel, Yingtao, and their families. What are the challenges and joys of keeping their own heritage intact and alive? If you can relate  personally to either of their experiences, you can also write a few sentences about how that is the case.  Write about 125 words for each novel and use one quotation from each novel as supporting evidence for one of your points. Follow each quotation with an author/page citation.