Final answer:
La Llorona is a famous legend in Mexican folklore and an urban legend in 'Summer of the Mariposas.' Both versions involve a weeping woman searching for her lost children, but they have different purposes and contexts. The traditional folklore version serves as a cautionary tale, while the urban legend version enhances the themes and cultural significance of the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
La Llorona is a famous legend in Mexican folklore, and she is commonly known as the weeping woman. She is said to be the ghost of a woman who drowned her children in a river as a result of extreme jealousy. In the novel 'Summer of the Mariposas,' La Llorona is referenced as an urban legend that the main characters encounter during their journey. The urban legend version of La Llorona is similar to the traditional folklore, with some variations based on different retellings.
The primary similarity between the two versions is the portrayal of La Llorona as a ghostly figure who weeps and searches for her lost children. Both versions evoke a sense of tragedy and loss. In 'Summer of the Mariposas,' the urban legend serves to add an element of mystery and danger to the girls' adventure.
However, there are also differences between the two versions. In traditional folklore, La Llorona is often portrayed as a cautionary tale, warning children about the consequences of their actions. In 'Summer of the Mariposas,' the urban legend of La Llorona is used as a plot device to further develop the theme of sisterhood and the bonds between the main characters. It also adds a cultural element to the story, as the girls' Mexican heritage is an important aspect of their identity.