In "The Literature of the Americas," Kimberly Koza writes "By discovering the literature of our neighbors, we may also learn about ourselves." Keeping this quote in mind, respond to the question. Write a paragraph on "Day of the Butterfly" and how Koza's statement applies to the theme of "Day of the Butterfly". Include at least two supporting details or examples. Be sure to include the title of the selection and indicate whether the author comes from Canada or Latin America.
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In the short story "Day of the Butterfly" by Canadian author Alice Munro, Kimberly Koza's statement is evident in the exploration of the theme of identity. The story follows two young girls, Myra and the narrator, who form an unlikely friendship despite their differences in social status. Through their interactions, Myra's Mexican background and the narrator's Canadian heritage are juxtaposed, allowing the reader to ponder upon their own sense of self. One supporting detail is when the narrator expresses her fascination with Myra's Latin American culture, as she learns about Mexican traditions and festivities. This curiosity not only broadens the narrator's knowledge of her neighbor's culture but also prompts her to question her own Canadian identity. Another example is when Myra feels the need to assert her Mexican heritage by mocking and stereotyping the narrator's Canadian customs, showing the contrast between their backgrounds. Ultimately, by examining the literature of neighboring communities like Latin America, one can gain a deeper understanding of their own identity and heritage, just as the characters do in "Day of the Butterfly."
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