Essay Questions

How does the author address the issue of poverty in the book 'Daughter of Earth’?

The main character in the book, Marie Rodgers, has struggled throughout her life to get out of poverty, but she is not successful. Marie is the second born in her family, which hails from a poor background. When she is at her parental home, she is physically abused by her mother. The author further illustrates poverty in the book when she introduces the character, Aunt Helen. Helen lives with Marie's family, but she is kicked out when Marie's father realizes that she is a prostitute. Helen decides to be a prostitute because that is the only option; she has to earn a living. To hide her shady deals, she deceives Marie's father that she is a laundress.

Is romance one key area the author is focused on?

The author is keen on highlighting Marie's romantic encounters with various men. Firstly, at the age of sixteen, Marie is seduced by a handsome man who seeks her hand in marriage. However, Marie turns down the marriage offer because of her poverty status. Secondly, when Marie moves to Mexico, she meets Robert, and they start a romantic relationship. However, Marie turns down the offer again and goes back to attend to her ailing mother. Thirdly, Marie meets Big Buck, a man who nurses her after encountering brutal rape. Big Buck falls in love with Marie, but again she turns down the proposal. Eventually, Marie falls in love with Knut, and they get married. The marriage, however, does not last for long. Marie later divorces Knut and goes to live with Karin. Later, Marie is arrested for attempted murder, and she is sent to prison. After finishing her jail term, she falls in love with Anand gets married. Unfortunately, the marriage does not last; moreover, the book comes to an end without disclosing Marie's fate in marriage.

How does the author illustrate that rape is not a new order in society?

The readers in the modern generation might think that technological innovations largely influence rape. For instance, pornography is a new trend with technology, and it is often blamed for rape and aggressive sexual behavior. However, throughout the book ‘Daughter of Earth,’ Marie is a victim of rape, and this incidence took place in the 18th century when technology was not available. The first rape incident occurs in a bar where Marie is raped by men who think she is a prostitute. Secondly, Marie is raped by a thug called Juan, who breaks into her house. Therefore, these unfortunate rape events that took place in the 18th century prove that rape is not a new evil device in society.