María dos Prazeres
What’s inside...
María dos Prazeres is a short story by Gabriel García Márquez that appears in his collection 'Strange Pilgrims'. It tells the tale of an aging prostitute named María dos Prazeres who has a premonition of her own death. As she prepares for her demise, she reflects on her life, her lost loves, and her estranged daughter. She also forms a bond with her dog, Noi, and a neighbor, a young man who reminds her of her past lovers. Throughout the story, María grapples with her fears and loneliness, and ultimately seeks to find peace and meaning in her final days. The narrative explores themes of aging, mortality, and the search for redemption.
Age
7-9
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
MaríA Dos Prazeres
Discussion points
How do you think María felt when she found her joy in simple things? Can you think of simple things that make you happy?
María prepares for the future in her own unique way. What are some ways you prepare for things that are important to you?
What does the story of María teach us about the value of community and friendships?
If you were to write a letter to María, what would you say to her or ask her?
What do you think is the most important lesson from María’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly, validating their responses and encouraging deeper reflection.
Discuss parallels between María's experiences and your child's daily life. This helps contextualize the themes and make them more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite part of the book, promoting creativity and personal connection to the story.
Create a comfortable and inviting reading environment that fosters a sense of warmth and attentiveness during discussions.
Guide your child to make connections between the book’s themes and real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: María dos Prazeres depicts characters who display understanding and compassion towards each other, showcasing how empathy can lead to meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate and understanding towards their peers, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates responsibility through her actions and decisions, illustrating the consequences of being accountable.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility for their actions, such as completing their tasks or owning up to their mistakes, which is essential for personal growth.
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: The story shows characters coming together to support each other, emphasizing the strength and security that community provides.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and contribute to their community, understanding the role they play in making it a better place for everyone.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters face challenges but persevere, highlighting the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in their academic pursuits or personal challenges.