Discussion Questions

Questions about all Martin Epsadas poems

1. How does the poems of Martin Espada determine real life events? How does his poetry have a link to reality?

2. Do you feel that Martin Espada's poems relate to his life or just people in general?

3. Does Martin Espada show too much anger in his poems are does he even the anger out with compassion? What makes you feel this way?

Questions about "Albanza: In Praise of the Local 100"

1. Is this historical poem about a part of history a long time ago or a short time ago? What historical event is this poem about?

2. Who does the poem focus on? What is the significants of the focus?

Questions about "Jorge the Church Janitor Finally Quits"

1. How does the ending of this poem differ from the ending of Albanza: In Praise of the Local 10?

2. What effect does Jorges job have on him? How does it make him feel?