I, Juan de Pareja

1. I, Juan de Pareja Introduction Focus Activity

2. Activity • 1. What is your earliest memory? • 2. What things in your life so far seem important? • 3. How would you tell the story of your life to someone? • 4. List some of the events you would include in your life story. Why those events?

3. Write about your earliest memory • Describe your earliest memory • Where? • When? (age, date, time?) • Why? • Who?

4. I, Juan de Parejaby Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

5. The story takes place in Spain during the 17 century. • It is based on a true story. • Juan de Pareja, an enslaved man, really did exist in the 17th century. • A portrait of him still exists today. Painted by Diego Velazquez, perhaps the greatest painter in Spanish history. • He is enslaved, and his life is not his own. • He has no money, and he cannot own property. De Pareja’s journey from his childhood home to the house of the great artist is sometimes touching and frightening. Introducing the Novel

6. 7)De Pareja must hide his growing interest in art. (It is illegal for enslaved people to practice the arts.) 8) De Pareja is a person of deep feelings. (A true friendship develops between Velazquez and Juan, and it is this friendship that is the real story of I, Juan de Pareja.) 9) Spain’s King Philip IV was not interested in politics, but rather in arts and culture. 10) The court and the artists of that era represented a golden empire at its height.

7. a) 17th century Art & architecture in Europe were heavily influenced by what is called the “Baroque” style. • b) Baroque art is known for: • grandeur and richness • sense of motion and energy • concerned with individuals • Art as realistically as possible • fine details • use of light and shadow. • c) Baroque art expresses the uniqueness of its subjects and a truer picture of proportion and perspective. Did You Know?

8. d) It is not clear where the word “Baroque” originated. • There are two theories. One is that the word comes from the Italian word barocco, which is used to describe twisted logic. • Another theory is that baroque comes from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning an oddly shaped pearl. • In either case, the term was not used as praise. • e) As the value of new styles became clear, the word baroque gradually lost its negative meaning.

9. Quote Journal • Choose two quotes per chapter. • Make a folder as directed. • Write the “quote”. • Speaker: • Speaking to: • Context: • Meaning:

10. Quote Journal example • “It cleans the blood to wear an earring.” • Speaker: Mistress Dona Emilia • Speaking to: Juan de Pareja • Context: After Juan’s mother died, all he had left was a pair of his mother’s earrings. • Meaning: Dona Emilia believes that Juan will stay healthy if he wears one of his mother’s earrings. Juan probably feels close to his deceased mother by having something she loved.