• Importance of the mink coat, closets, and secrets more generally
• Mink coat is symbolic of the past, of wealth and status
• Vision of the American dream
• Duality of the coat and the memories attached to it--Christmas bear as something dangerous
• Use of the mink coat becomes a form of intimidation
• Storytelling has consequences and now the mother and family are in the hands of a child
• Yo and her sisters and mother--in what ways are they different?
• Use of language
• Use of truth


Structure of novel:

• Novel is structured in a prologue and three parts.  This suggests a progression or drama unfolding.
• Alvarez further organizes her work according to literary elements; each of the first chapters represents a unique point of view and a way of delivering information/insight (fiction, nonfiction, etc.)
• The sisters--Carla, Sandi, Yolanda, Sofia--are associated with fiction.
• Yolanda as a character does not assert herself in the prologue, but lets others speak about her.
• The mother is associated with nonfiction--why?

IV. Return of Midterms
V. Discussion of Final Essay