As the first non-fiction novel of the list of texts, “I, Rigoberta Menchu” stands out greatly, and has been one of the more challenging reads so far in terms of the content that makes it upsetting to ruminate upon.
This novel recounts the life story of Rigoberta, and divides sections of the chapters based around themes that she has spoken about with an authoethnographer. I find that there are strengths and weaknesses in grouping the information this way. With each chapter surrounding a theme, the impact and narration is so focused that you can’t help but be absorbed in the story. As the audience, this way of telling the story was incredibly immerseful into the life of Rigoberta. The inclusion of her culture’s customs alongside her experiences with exploitation and activism provides solid building blocks into understanding the development of her political consciousness. Understanding the wisdom Rigoberta has learned from her experience allowed me to understand the depth of her activism, which culturally often time seems like an ignited emotional response at mistreatment (deservingly, obviously) and demands the perpetrators to be punished. However, with Rigoberta’s testimony, activism takes a much different perspective, in the form of growth, and a bridging of worldviews that is necessary to undergo change, such as the beginning when she explains how she learned Spanish for herself, or finding solace in the stories of the Bible. These approaches appear much more holistic and intimate to the personal journeys of the activists, and I think it also commends their journeys and growth in a significantly profound way, that takes into account the nuances of their situation. I agree wholeheartedly with the authoethnographer’s praise about Rigoberta’s bravery, because being self-conscious to the degree that Rigoberta is about her mental development through all these experiences is incredibly hard.
On the other hand, because each chapter is heavily centred on a theme, certain issues pertaining to earlier chapters were suddenly gone in later chapters. For example, in earlier chapters all members of Rigoberta’s family would be breaking their backs working just to get an abysmally small pay at the end of the day and suffer malnutrition and hunger, but this issue with income wasn’t consistent in later stories when Rigoberta would travel to other villages and teach them self defence, where making an income and finding food didn’t seem to be a prevalent concern anymore. I think having the narration be organized and carried out like this somewhat contributes to the feeling that Rigoberta’s testimonies may be doubtful, beyond the fact checking done to her background. But much like Jon said, the malleability of her story does reveal the agency she has, especially with her expertise in secret-keeping.
Lastly my question is: After hearing about the contradiction between Rigoberta’s account and the people who looked into the background of Rigoberta, how has the feelings towards her story changed for you? Do you believe her, and what is you take away from the novel now that this has come to light?