In the epilogue to Serafina’s Stories, Rudolfo Anaya says that the cuentos told by the people of New Mexico “are not only a form of entertainment, they are also instructive.” In what ways are the stories told by Serafina instructive?

In the epilogue to Serafina’s Stories, Rudolfo Anaya says that the cuentos told by the people of New Mexico “are not only a form of entertainment, they are also instructive.” In what ways are the stories told by Serafina instructive? What specific lessons do they teach the governor about his community and himself? Include at least 3 of the lessons from 3 individual tales told by Serafina and explain how they teach the governor to become a better leader to all the people in la Nuevo México.

Then offer a response to Anaya’s argument about the value of folk tales. Do you agree with his claim that “there is an inherent power in the stories of our ancestors”? How might they teach us lessons about important social values?

To support your position, develop examples from other folk tales or myths from your childhood or cultural heritage, and research on the value of folk tales from your readings, especially the supplemental readings assigned to you by the instructor.