8.3 ...y no se lo tragó la tierra: “La noche buena” – Tomás Rivera

4 min read•january 30, 2023

Riya Patel

AP Spanish Literature 💃🏽

24 resources

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Background of Tomás Rivera

Tomás Rivera (1935-1984) was a Chicano author and educator. He was born in Texas to Mexican migrant farm workers and grew up working in the fields. Despite facing many challenges, including poverty and discrimination, Rivera was able to attend college and eventually earn a PhD in Education.

Rivera's experiences as a migrant farm worker and his commitment to education and social justice are evident in his writing, which reflects the challenges faced by Chicano and Mexican American communities. He is best known for his novel "Y no se lo tragó la tierra" ("...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him"), which is widely considered a classic of Chicano literature. The novel tells the story of a young Chicano migrant worker, who travels from Texas to California to work in the fields, and explores themes of poverty, identity, and the search for meaning in life.

Rivera was an important figure in Chicano literature and culture, and his work has had a significant impact on the development of Chicano literature and on broader American literature. He was awarded several prizes for his writing, including the National Endowment for the Arts award in 1975, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and artists.

Overview of "...y no se lo tragó la tierra: “La noche buena”

"La Noche Buena" is a short story from Tomás Rivera's novel "...y no se lo tragó la tierra." The story takes place on Christmas Eve and centers around a family of migrant farm workers who are celebrating the holiday. Despite their poverty and the difficult conditions they face, the family comes together to celebrate and to find joy in the holiday season.

The story is notable for its powerful depiction of the experiences of Chicano migrant farm workers and its celebration of the resilience and strength of Chicano families and communities. Through the story, Rivera explores themes of poverty, hope, and the importance of family and community in the face of adversity.

"La Noche Buena" is a poignant and moving story that provides a window into the lives of Chicano migrant workers and their families. Through its powerful themes and vivid portrayal of the holiday season, the story continues to resonate with readers and to serve as an important representation of Chicano life and culture.

Themes and Motifs

"La Noche Buena" by Tomás Rivera explores several themes and motifs, including:

Poverty: The story is set among migrant farm workers who are struggling to make ends meet and who live in poverty. The story highlights the harsh realities of poverty and the challenges faced by those who are living on the margins of society.
Family and Community: Despite their poverty and difficult circumstances, the family in the story comes together to celebrate Christmas Eve. The importance of family and community is emphasized as the family finds comfort and support in each other.
Hope: The story also explores themes of hope and resilience, as the family finds joy and hope in the holiday season, despite their difficult circumstances.
Chicano Identity: Through the story, Rivera explores Chicano identity and the experiences of Chicano migrant workers. The story serves as a representation of Chicano life and culture, highlighting the resilience and strength of Chicano families and communities.
The Human Spirit: Finally, the story explores the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity and find joy and hope, even in the face of poverty and hardship.

Literary Devices and Techniques

"La Noche Buena" by Tomás Rivera employs several literary devices and techniques, including:

Symbolism: The use of symbols is prominent throughout the story. For example, the Christmas tree symbolizes hope and joy, while the tamales symbolize the love and care that goes into preparing a traditional meal.
Irony: The story uses irony to underscore the contrast between the poverty of the migrant workers and the joy they find in celebrating Christmas together.
Point of View: The story is told from the point of view of a young boy, which adds to the child-like innocence and wonder of the story.
Imagery: Rivera uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the setting, characters, and events in the story. For example, he describes the Christmas tree as "gleaming with colored lights."
Repetition: The repetition of certain phrases, such as "La noche buena," reinforces the theme of the holiday season and its importance to the characters in the story.
Tone: The tone of the story is hopeful, with a sense of joy and wonder that is often associated with the holiday season.

Impact of the Text

"La Noche Buena" by Tomás Rivera has had a significant impact on Chicano literature and has become a classic within the genre. The story highlights the experiences of Mexican American migrant workers in the United States and serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by this community. It also celebrates the cultural traditions and the resilience of the migrant workers in the face of adversity.

The story has been widely taught in schools and universities and is seen as a valuable contribution to the Chicano literary canon. It has inspired numerous writers, artists, and scholars, who have used it as a lens to explore themes of identity, migration, and cultural preservation.

Overall, "La Noche Buena" has helped to increase awareness and understanding of the experiences of Mexican American migrant workers and has served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions in the face of adversity.

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8.2 ...y no se lo tragó la tierra: “...y no se lo tragó la tierra” – Tomás Rivera