Question

Benito juárez was a mexican leader of zapotec heritage who was active in the mid-1800s. he promoted democracy in mexico and is considered a national hero. i fought and died for don benito juárez guardian of the constitution. i was him on dusty roads on barren land [. . .] he held his mexico in his hand on the most desolate and remote ground which was his country, and this giant little zapotec gave not one palm’s breadth of his country to kings or monarchs or presidents of foreign powers. –"i am joaquín," rodolfo gonzales how does the description of juárez help develop the theme that it is important to defend one’s own country?

a) it honors a person who stood firm against his country’s enemies.
b) it praises a person for giving his country everything he had.
c) it suggests that the most important sacrifice one can make is to die for one’s country.
d) it reveals that the speaker also needs to help defend his country.

Answer 1

The description of Benito Juárez as a firm defender against foreign enemies and as someone who held his country in his hands without giving in to foreign demands develops the theme of patriotic defense of one's country.

Step-by-step explanation:

The description of Benito Juárez in the poem helps develop the theme that it is important to defend one's own country by honoring a person who stood firm against his country's enemies. It speaks to the spirit of patriotism and resilience embodied by Juárez as he navigated his nation through challenges, without surrendering any part of it to foreign powers. This portrayal aligns with historical accounts of Juárez's leadership during the mid-1800s when he promoted democracy and resisted foreign intervention. The passage particularly emphasizes how Juárez, despite being a 'giant little Zapotec', held firm control over Mexico, highlighting his stature as a national hero who deeply valued the sovereignty and integrity of his country.