Essay Questions

What drives Gaspar and his father to embark on a road trip to the late mother's ancestral home?

Grief and isolation are the two primary factors that drive Gaspar and his father to embark on a journey to the late mother's ancestral home. The demise of a close family member is a big burden that can happen to anyone. However, the living must devise ways of moving on with their lives. For Gaspar and his father, visiting close family members can give them the comfort and support they need to move on. In addition, Gaspar's father knows that he must accept his loss and encourage his son to be strong. Therefore, having a road trip is one of the best ways to distract Gaspar's thoughts about the death of his mother.

How does Mariana Enriquez develop the theme of selfless parental love in the novel Our Share of Night?

The role of a parent is to love and take good care of his children. Mariana Enriquez's novel shows that parents are ready to protect their children no matter the situation. When Gaspar's father discovers that his relatives are plotting to sacrifice the young boy, he swiftly escapes with his son. According to the father, his son must live away from evil people and grow up in a secure environment. Enriquez shows that parents are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their children. Therefore, the theme of parental love is evident throughout the text.

What is the most important irony in the novel Our Share of Night by Enriquez?

There is a situational irony when Gaspar and his father visit their relatives. The father and son expect the relatives to receive them warmly and support them in getting over their grief. Ironically, the relatives have evil intentions because they secretly want to sacrifice Gaspar. Everything that takes place at the ancestral home contradicts the expectations of Gaspar and his father.