I, Juan de Pareja | Topics for Discussion & Projects

I, Juan de Pareja Topics for Discussion

1. Why is Pareja not more resentful of the silly way his first mistress dresses him up?

2. Would Pareja have been better off if he had been left at the monastery rather than sent to live with Velazquez?

3. What are some of the ways Spanish society of the 1600s demeaned slaves?

Note for instance how Pareja is called "Juanico" and how he is treated like a possession.

4. Why is Pareja so eager to be accepted as part of Velazquez's household?

5. Why is Pareja nearly always afraid? 6. How important is the concept of "truth" in I, Juan de Pareja? Note how truth is presented in different ways.

There is artistic truth, being truthful with oneself, and being truthful with others.

7. Why does Pareja yearn to tell people of his painting when...
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