Mexican Gothic: Chapters 1-18 by Jamie Lee https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8 Jamie, Molly, and Youjee en-us 2023-02-22 02:59:48 UTC 2023-03-10 01:50:27 UTC hello@padlet.com Racism + Colonialism https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495154356 The concept of racism first appears in the novel when Noemi is sent to the High Place, owned by the Doyle family, who used to be very wealthy and is British. Especially Howard seems to be racist as he asks things like "What are your thoughts on the intermingling of superior and inferior types?"  (pg. 30). Here the superior are the white people and inferior refers to people of color. Further scenes highlight the legacy of colonialism when the power dynamic between the colonizers and the previously colonized is portrayed. For example, on page 62, Dr. Camarillo says "That's only the English people. You should see the local cemetery. They said that in the last epidemic, around the time the revolution started, the Doyles didn't even bother sending down the corpses for a proper burial. They them in a pit." This shows how, even if the white and Mexican workers were doing the same job at the same position, the white workers were considered superior and worthy of a burial. In the end, these scenes show how racism is rooted in the minds of the Doyle family, following from the colonial times. ]]> 2023-02-26 08:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495154356 Gender Inequality https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495157268 In the beginning of the novel, Noemi is portrayed as a very independent young woman. She expresses her interest in studying further to receive her masters degree, which her parents disagree with. At this point, she ponders, “Girls were supposed to follow a simple life cycle, from debutante to wife. To study further would mean to delay this cycle, to remain a chrysalis inside a cocoon.” (pg. 12). This shows how at the time of when the novel took place, women were expected to become married early and live their lives supporting their husband instead of pursuing their personal interests further. Noemi is a character that goes against these social norms by not backing down on her opinions. This is also shown later when Noemi is talking with Virgil as he looks down upon Noemi and treats Catalina as someone he is supposed to protect, as a man. Noemi breaks this idea down by advocating for Catalina herself to receive better care. 

However, this idea of Noemi continuing to advocate for herself breaks down starting from chapter 17 through an unseeable force. On page 183, it says, "She was not trembling with fright anymore. It was desire making her shiver..." Virgil entered Noemi while she was in the bath tub in her dream. Even though she wanted to move and wanted to slap him at first, a force stopped her from being able to do so, which eventually led to indulgence. This shows Virgil's male dominance over Noemi. ]]> 2023-02-26 08:59:25 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495157268 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495280542 The presence of a ghost in the house is first hinted at in Catalina's letter when she says, "They whisper at nights and I am so afraid of these restless dead, these ghosts, fleshelss things" (pg 7-8). 

In addition, later in chapter 5 when Noemi has a dream, she notices a woman who "raised a gloved hand and pointed at Noemi" and tried to speak to Noemi but couldn't as she had no face (pg. 56). This is the first time when Noemi encounters a ghost herself and hints that these ghosts may endanger her safety. 

Starting from chapter 7, Noemi continues to have nightmares that hints at the presence of a non-human creature or force. For example, on page 80, she felt an "invisible thread" anchoring her to her bed as Virgil undressed her. There was also a woman's voice urging her to open her eyes. This shows that this unseeable force restricts Noemi and may place her in uncomfortable situations. 

Within her dreams, a recurring creature that haunts her seems to be the woman with a blur on her face with a golden glow. It first appeared in Noemi's dream as a ghost that was trying to talk to her but in chapter 11, it approached Noemi as if it was trying to eat Noemi. This is significant as the woman who continues to appear may be Agnes, Howard's first wife. This also shows how the house being haunted is not just a psychotic comment from Catalina but is real. 

Therefore, all these hauntings exist as a presence to keep Noemi on her feet and continuously provide suspense as well as questions for the audience. As the hauntings show people dying, tumors being born, and more, this overlaps with the past events in the High Place such as Ruth's death. Therefore, these re-emphasize the theme of death and also life that is unwelcomed. ]]> 2023-02-26 13:51:58 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495280542 Primary https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495282823 The primary setting of "Mexican Gothic" is the High Place. The High Place is a land owned by the Doyle family, who Catalina married into. It is described as a house that is very isolated from outer influence, in the countryside of Mexico. The mansion has a European design and very old with decaying walls and furniture. The house has a gothic mood with nearly no light other than a few candles and no vibrant color. The High Place is the main setting because most events affecting character and story development occur there. For example, the hauntings, Noemi's dreams with Virgil being sexual with her, Noemi's interactions with Catalina and more all occur there and therefore is significant. ]]> 2023-02-26 13:56:03 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495282823 Secondary https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495284015 The secondary setting of "Mexican Gothic" is the town El Truinfo, which surrounds the high place. It is known as a dead town although it was once prosperous with its mining industry. It is a very small town and had a lot of deaths after the spread of an epidemic as well as environmental issues from the mining s. The setting of El Truinfo is significant as it provides a direct contrast to the High Place. It is where the secrets of most events Noemi was curious about unravel including Ruth's death, the house being haunted, and more. In addition, the Doyles, except Francis, are against going into town and having any business in that area. However, Noemi continues to reach out to the local people such as Marta Duval and Dr. Camarillo, bringing in new people into the High Place. An interesting thing about the people of El Truinfo is that they know a lot about the history and secrets of the High Place while it seems like the Doyle family almost have no clue. This makes the town significant as it is the source of tales and conflict in the story, stirred by Noemi. ]]> 2023-02-26 13:58:26 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495284015 Authorial Choices/Literary Terms yra2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495555010 First Authorial Choice:
Type of archetype for Noemi: the Outlaw + the Explorer. Noemi does not fall under one specific archetype; instead, I think she is closer to being a character with both stereotypes of the outlaw and the explorer. She has the characteristics of the outlaw in that she is an independent, studious woman eagerly willing to receive the master's degree in national university in the 1950s of Mexico. Also, she has the characteristics of the explorer in that she is willing to dive deep into the mysteries surrounding the High Place. 

Major Theme: Female Independence and Power
Throughout these chapters, it can be seen that the protagonist Noemi undermines masculine authority and the conventions that are surrounding her as a wealthy young woman in the 1950s Mexico. Even though she recognizes her limitations of power as a young woman, she is able to use this feature in a smart way so that matters are advantageous to her. 

Clear distinction between antagonists and protagonists - in the chapter, the author makes clear distinction between the two 'sides' that exist in the story. This way, the readers are able to clearly recognize which sides to support or unlike, and directly empathize to the protagonists in the story, thus being able to feel the tension in this novel more easily. ]]> 2023-02-26 22:39:27 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495555010 Language/Style/Diction yra2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495555709 The author unfolds the story in a third-person limited point of view, from Noemi's perspective. However, it was interesting that the author chose to use a third-person omniscient perspective at the beginning of the novel, where Noemi is being described going to a party. In this part of the story, it was very interesting how the author illustrates the story in a way that the reader first recognize Nomei as not necessarily the protagonist of the novel, but rather a part of the larger scene. By making such an authorial choice and introducing Noemi not as a protagonist at the start of the story, the author seeks to blend Noemi into the setting effectively. Thus, the author gives the readers a sense that Noemi is a mere part of this society - ordinary, and does not stick out from the crowd. This is quite different to the characterization of Noemi that appears in the chapters after chapter 1. Such a contrast of characterization gives the story more twists, as it subtly tricks the reader into thinking one thing and then changing it to another.]]> 2023-02-26 22:40:58 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495555709 Discussion Questions yra2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495556117 1. Why does Noemi want to remain "likeable" to the men in High Place like Virgil and Howard?

2. How do forms of power between men and women differ in these chapters, and how are they shown through the characters?

3. In what ways are Noemi considered unconventional?

]]> 2023-02-26 22:42:00 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495556117 j5lee2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495565389 1. SET-UP / EXPOSITION
--> Chapter 1: Background information
  • The protagonist, Noemi Taboada, is introduced in the exposition. She is a 22 year-old socialite from a wealthy family and wants to be an anthropologist.
  • We also learn that her cousin, Catalina, has been troubled by misfortune her entire life. Her parents died when she was young, and she moved into the Taboada household. In addition, she's faced a broken engagement, heartbreak, and struggles surrounding her love life, which led to her keeping her wedding with Virgil discrete.
2. RISING ACTION (+INCITING INCIDENT)
--> Chapter 2-6: In an unfamiliar place
  • Inciting incident: Catalina, Noemi's cousin, sends her a concerning letter. In the letter, Catalina begs Noemi to come and save her because she believes her husband, Virgil, is attempting to poison her and that she has been seeing ghosts.
  • Quest: As a result, Noemi heads to the High Place to check on her cousin.
--> Chapter -18: Exploring the unknown
  • After entering the High Place, she begins to sleepwalk and has nightmares. She also begins to learn more about the history of the place as well as the people.
  • We also get more background information. For example, throughout Chapter 12, we learn more about the mines and the construction of High Place. We also learn about Howard's two wives, as well as the history of Ruth and Bentio's romantic relationship, which we are led to believe is the reason she committed the murders.
3. CLIMAX : X
4. FALLING ACTION : X
5. RESOLUTION : X


]]> 2023-02-26 23:05:35 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495565389 j5lee2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495565531
  • Noemi Taboada: Protagonist - She is a character who defies stereotypes and stands in contrast to many of the other characters, including members of the Doyle family. Given the author's intention to demonstrate diversity through Latin American characters, I believe the author also tries to highlight features other than the conventional traits. For example, she is very independent and outspoken in her decisions, which distinguishes her from many of the other characters.
  • Catalina: 1) Damsel in distress - Catalina is viewed as someone who needs saving and due to her current situation, it incites the main incident for Noemi to be brought into the Doyle household. 2) Foil character to Noemi - Noemi and Catalina are both encouraged to find suitors and marry in order to live a successful and lax life, based on traditions and what Noemi's parents have said. Catalina is already married and has had other long-term relationships. Noemi, on the other hand, has only had brief and meaningless romances. Furthermore, contrary to her parents' wishes, she attends school and is pursuing anthropology.
  • Virgil Doyle: Antagonist - Virgil can be considered the main antagonist in the story so far. Virgil's cold demeanor and persona suggest that he may be using Catalina for her wealth because he is entitled to their shared wealth as long as they are married. Especially since the Doyles aren't as wealthy as they once were, this sparks further reason to his need for money. Overall, he appears manipulative and controlling, using his power and influence to keep Catalina isolated and under his control.
  • Francis Doyle: 1) I believe that Francis helps express the changes Noemi goes through. This is because she initially expressed interest in Hugo, who is conventionally attractive and can dance well.  Francis, on the other hand, is almost the polar opposite. As a result, Noemi's interest in Francis shows how she may have changed as a person after entering the High Place, as Francis is someone she would not have approached if not for her current circumstances. 2) Foil character to Virgil - Francis Doyle is portrayed as the younger, more sensitive one who is deeply affected by the family's dark history. He is hyper aware of his own emotions as well as those around him, whereas Virgil is portrayed as cold and unsympathetic, completely focused on his own desires and ambitions.
  • Florence Doyle: Static character - Florence's behavior has remained consistent throughout the story as she continues to place the family's reputation before anything else.


    • ]]>     2023-02-26 23:05:58 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495565531     j5lee2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495658611 2023-02-27 01:38:09 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2495658611 j5lee2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2504580986 2023-03-06 05:13:14 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2504580986 j5lee2025 https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2504598520 2023-03-06 05:29:08 UTC https://padlet.com/j5lee2025/xjkmeql1h2ciogy8/wish/2504598520