Characters & POV
Who are the main/central characters?
Romero Estrado, Serferino, & Barelas
How does the setting of a small Spanish town impact how the story unfolds?
Everyone in the small community comes together in order to provide for Romero and each of them care for him in their own individual ways. If the setting were to change to a massive city, the story would most likely drastically be changed.
What does the broom symbolize?
The cleansing of the world, sweeping up the dirt and filth left behind
What part of the story begins the conflict?
When Seferino offers to pay Romero 50 cents for each time he sweeps the barbershop.
How does the use of short and concise sentences impact the effectiveness of the story?
“It just was not permitted” 351, “There was, in fact, no reason to.”, 352“He was a respected citizen” 352, “This didn’t discourage Seferino either” 354. Proves main points that propel the story.
How do the minor characters impact the story?
The other views of the characters propel the story and give an insight to how Romero was actually portrayed in the community.
What is the tone and how does it impact the meaning of the story?
Detached, impartial
How is the barbershop and Romero's neglect of it symbolic?
Reflects the idea that once one comes across an obstacle in life, often times one will avoid it altogether rather than face the issue.
How is the title "El Tanto Del Barrio" ironic?
The English translation of this Spanish phrase is "the neighborhood dummy." In the story, Romero is seen as the "dummy" of the neighborhood who mindlessly cleans everybody's sidewalks for no reason. However, in the end, the wealthier individual, Seferino, was actually the dummy for thinking that giving money to Romero would help him.
How does the inclusion of Spanish phrases reflect the story?
Creates some confusion for non-Spanish speaking readers much like Romero's actions concern and confuse the community members. It also gives the reader a feel of how connected the community is with each other.
What is the point of view of this story?
The POV is third person omniscient as other character's thoughts are seen throughout this story.
How does the mood reflect Romero's internal feelings and his actions?
At the beginning- calm, joyous, peaceful (normal routine not disrupted, singing)
Middle- tense, chaotic (stops routine, stops singing)
End- calm, joyous, peaceful again (back to normal routine, singing again)
What are some of the common themes seen throughout this story?
Music, greed/money, empathy towards the "lesser" crowd, routine, family & community
How is Romero's routine altered throughout the story?
At the beginning, Romero has a very distinct routine that he performs each day without much change (351-352)After Seferino offered him 50 cents per sweeping, Romero began to ditch his routine and stopped showing up to sweep. After being declined a raise, Romero began his routine again but avoided the barbershop. After Seferino leaves, he then performs his ordinary routine from the start of the story.
How can the Marxist lens be applied to this story?
The power of a wealthier individual over a lower class individual. Seferino has the power over Romero when it comes to giving him a raise. All of the community refuses to pay Romero for his work because he could potentially surpass them.
What is the relationship between Barelas and Romero and how is it different or similar from Barelas' relationship with Seferino?
Barelas looks after Romero while still allowing him to do his own thing and makes sure he is respected by others in the community. In contrast, Barelas lets Seferino do his own thing BUT he attempts to change his mind when Barelas does not agree with what Seferino wants to do.
Is Golden Heights Centro a microcosm of society as a whole? Explain.
Yes, because often times in society we try to help the lesser people out by providing them services but more often than not, we as a society will rarely go out of our way to help them.
How do the themes of this story coincide with lenses?
Money= Marxist Lens
Greed= Psychological Lens
Family & Community = Postcolonial Lens
How is money ironic in regards to helping Romero?
The money given to Romero was meant to help him make his way, but rather it lead to his own self-destruction.
How can the feminist lens be applied to show the inequalities and hierarchies throughout the story?
The feminist lens shows that Romero is in a way suppressed because he is refused a promotion. The community also acts nice to Romero; however, they generally never go out of their way to better his life. They let him do whatever he wishes until it conflicts with their way off life.