Mamacita listens to Spanish music and sings Spanish songs about

homesickness. Do you think these activities make her feel more or less
homesick? When the man paints their apartment pink, why is that “not the
same” (line 39)? Not the same as what?

1 answer

Mamacita's activities, such as listening to Spanish music and singing songs about homesickness, may actually reinforce her feelings of homesickness. Engaging with music that resonates with her cultural background can evoke memories and emotions tied to her home country, potentially heightening her longing for it.

When the man paints their apartment pink, it may be "not the same" as what Mamacita yearns for—a connection to her roots and the familiarity of her home. The color change might signify an attempt to create a sense of belonging or comfort in their new environment, but it can't replicate the deep cultural ties and emotional comfort that come with her native home. This distinction highlights the difference between superficial changes in their living space and the profound emotional connection she feels towards her home.