Elizabeth R. answered • 3d
Experienced Tutor Guiding Students to Success in Academics
Chapter 7
1. Chapter 7 tragically ends with Cándido and América eating out of a garbage dump. What do you think about their current situation and Cándido’s decisions thus far?
Cándido and América’s situation shows how desperate and hopeless their lives have become. Eating from a dump is humiliating, but they have no other choice. Many of Cándido’s decisions come from pride and wanting to be the provider, yet they often backfire and make things worse. His refusal to accept steady help has pushed them deeper into poverty. Their struggles highlight how difficult survival is for undocumented immigrants with few opportunities.
Chapter 8
2. Initially, Delaney says, “He was being walled in, buried alive, and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it” (251). How does Delaney finally reconcile this wall?
At first, Delaney feels trapped by the wall around Arroyo Blanco, like it limits his freedom. However, he convinces himself that the wall is there for safety and protection. By rationalizing it this way, he accepts the wall instead of fighting against it. This shows how his fear of immigrants is growing stronger. The wall becomes a symbol of separation that he learns to embrace.
3. “Yes they were desperate. Yes, they’d lost everything. Yes, he was a fool and a liar and he’d failed her yet again. But still they had to make the best of it, had to survive, didn’t she see that” (257)? Explain what is going on with América. Would you feel any differently? Why or why not?
América feels betrayed and angry with Cándido because he has failed her so many times. She no longer trusts his promises and sees that survival alone is not enough. Cándido still tries to stay hopeful, but América has grown tired of disappointment. Personally, I would feel the same way as her, because living with constant failure and uncertainty would be exhausting. Her frustration is very understandable.
4. Like earlier with Al López, Cándido met Señor Willis and earned money for their apartment. Why wasn’t América jumping for joy?
América wasn’t excited because she had lost faith in Cándido’s ability to provide. Even though he earned some money, she knew it would not last or solve their bigger problems. She had seen too many of his plans fall apart before. Instead of joy, she felt bitterness and doubt. Her reaction shows that her hope is running out.
5. At the moment Cándido provided América the turkey, “he was happy, as happy as he’d ever been, right up the moment the wind plucked the fire out of its bed of coals…” (265). Why do you think Boyle placed the teen boy’s turkey into Cándido and América’s hands? How does the fire maintain the theme of bad luck for the couple? Why don’t you think Boyle gives them a little break from their misfortune?
Boyle gave them the turkey to symbolize a small moment of joy and hope. For once, Cándido felt like he could provide for América. But the fire destroyed that happiness almost immediately. The fire shows their constant bad luck and how fragile their survival is. Boyle doesn’t give them a break because he wants readers to see the harsh reality of their struggle compared to the comfort of people like Delaney and Kyra.
