A Gift from Papa Diego

A Gift from Papá Diego by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Questions for Philosophical Discussion by Nancy Soudant ____________________________________________________
Philosopical topic: Superheroes Diego wants a Superman costume for his birthday so he can fly to see his grandfather. What is a super hero? Can real people be superheroes? Do you think that superheroes are real? If they are not real, then what are they? Do you believe in superheroes? Do you think that Superman is a superhero, and if so why? What makes someone a superhero? Do you have a favorite superhero? Do you have a hero? What is the difference between a hero and a superhero? What other types of heroes are there? Philosopical topic: Disappointment Diego is disappointed to find that he can not fly to see his grandfather when he puts the Superman costume on. Do you think that Diego’s parents intentionally set him up for disappointment by buying him the costume knowing that he would not be able to fly? Do you understand what it means to be disappointed? Have you ever experienced disappointment? What did it feel like? Do you think it can ever be a good thing? Do you think it is possible to feel disappointed without feeling sad? Have you ever disappointed someone? If so how did it make you feel? Philosopical topic: Patience Diego has to wait all day to open his presents. Diego had to be patient and wait all day to open his presents. Have you ever had to be patient and wait for something that you really wanted? How did it make you feel? Did you learn anything from the experience? Do you think that patience is a good thing? Why or why not? Can you think of a situation where being patient may not be a good thing? Philosopical topic: Dreams Diego very much wants to go and visit his grandfather. Diego daydreams about flying to see his grandfather. Do you think daydreams are real, and if so explain why? Are daydreams anything like the dreams you have at night when you go to bed? Do you think you have control over your daydreams or do they just happen? Philosopical topic: Love Diego loves his grandfather very much. In the story Diego loves and misses his Grandfather. Have you ever felt that sort of love towards someone in your life? If so, how did you know it was love? Diego’s sister Gabriela was mean and made fun of him. Do you think it is possible to treat someone like that and still love them? Why or why not? What other types of things can you love? Is the love of something like your favorite food the same as the love you feel towards someone? Back to Stories Page