TEACHING SANTIAGO THEMATICALLY

Some instructors may find it useful to teach Santiago thematically, focusing on the macro-level development of sociological and historical themes. When I Was Puerto Rican lends itself to discussion and analysis of important contemporary issues integral to the political and social development of the United States and Puerto Rico. One way to begin teaching the book in this way is to have a class brainstorming session where you ask students to list all of the issues raised in the book. As a class, you can then organize these issues into larger themes you, as a class, will explore. You may want to devote an entire period, or segments of several sessions, to exploring each of the themes below:

Puerto Rico and its Relationship to the United States
This topic is integral to any study of Puerto Rico. Helping students to understand the colonial nature of the power structure between the United States and its commonwealth, Puerto Rico, plays into the background of When I Was Puerto Rico. This relationship is most obviously addressed in "The American Invasion of Macún" when Santiago challenges changes made to the school system. This relationship is more subtly addressed in Mami's trips to New York and her attitudes about the life that New York promises.

Women
The role of women in When I Was Puerto Rican will present an interesting topic for discussion among students. Sub-topics of this theme that might prove particularly fruitful include: the role of women in Puerto Rico, the status of marriage ("Why Women Remain Jamona"), relationships between women, the socio-economic status of women, working mothers, single mothers, pregnancy, mothering, and the relationship between social services and women.

Sexuality
When I Was Puerto Rican is Santiago's coming-of-age memoir. A powerful theme in the book is Santiago's budding sexuality, played out in both Puerto Rico, in scenes with Tato and as Santiago reads romance novels, and in New York where Santiago becomes aware of the power of her body. This topic, which relates to "women" will raise interesting topics for discussion.

Role of Education
Education, and teachers in particular, play an important role in this book. Ask students to explore each teacher and to see what Santiago learned. Then, consider education as a larger theme. What role does education play in the memoir? What is the significance of education? What is the relationship between education and the American dream?

Immigration
Why do Santiago and her family come to the United States? How is their story of immigration related to the larger narrative of immigration in the United States? In what ways does this memoir address the American dream?

Social Class
Much of Santiago's narrative provides a look at the challenges of socio-economic class. Students may want to explore issues such as Santiago's treatment in the community based on her family's class position, Santiago's feelings about social class, and the comparative differences between issues of social class in Macún, in Santurce and in Brooklyn.

As you plan your class thematically, you may want to visit the Assignments section of this web site for ideas about written assignments and group activities.