The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What are some similarities and differences between fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism? With what literary periods and/or movements do you associate these genres?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer relates to the theme of The Use of Fantasy and Science Fiction to Explain Generational Trauma. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao borrows elements of fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism—three literary genres that share an interest in experiences outside of what is usually defined as “normal.” It may help to define each of these three genres and encourage students to think critically about how they are distinct from one another. You might note the way magical realism builds on fantasy and science fiction to reflect on issues and themes that pertain to the “real” world. It may also be helpful to discuss the history of magical realism, which is closely connected to 20th-century Latin American fiction (with some of the most famous representatives of magical realism including the Colombian Gabriel García Márquez, the Mexican Carlos Fuentes, and the Chilean Isabel Allende).

• This article from MasterClass defines magical realism and its relationship to other literary genres, especially fantasy.
• This article from BBC Teach outlines a timeline of science fiction literature and discusses notable examples of science fiction from Gulliver’s Travels to Maddaddam.

2. What do you know about the history of the Dominican Republic and/or the Dominican diaspora?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer relates to the theme of Dominican American Identity in the Late-20th Century. Presenting the class with a crash course on Dominican history can help them think more deeply about the novel and the sociocultural issues on which it reflects. Consider discussing the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, including his role in the Haitian genocide and his eventual assassination, as well as subsequent Dominican political figures (such as Joaquín Balaguer). It may also help to highlight US intervention in Dominican politics both before and after Trujillo’s time. Students may benefit from reviewing the connection between political and military unrest in the Dominican Republic and the emergence of a large Dominican “diaspora” outside of the Dominican Republic, especially in countries such as the US and Spain. If students lack knowledge about the Dominican Republic and/or the Dominican diaspora, consider reviewing this information and the resources below before providing them with the prompt. Alternatively, you might give them the opportunity to revise their answers afterward instead.

• This article from the MPI (Migration Policy Institute) discusses the demographics of immigrants from the Dominican Republic in the US.
• This article from Britannica provides an overview of the history of the Dominican Republic.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Masculinity plays an important role in many cultures, with some placing a very high premium on masculinity and masculine identity. How is masculinity seen in your culture or community? In what ways can masculinity form identity?

Teaching Suggestion: This Personal Connection Prompt connects to the theme of The Damage Caused by Personal and Political Masculinity. Masculine identity, like any kind of identity, can be healthy—in moderation. Recent decades, however, have increasingly shed light on how damaging and “toxic” masculine identity can be when it is not moderated. Díaz explores the importance of masculinity in Dominican culture, showing ways this aspect can be damaging to people of different backgrounds and gender identities. Consider encouraging the class to discuss their own cultural and personal experiences with masculinity. Since this is a sensitive subject, it will be important to make sure that students remain respectful to each other and to each other’s cultures.