Characters
Who's point of view (POV) is this story told from?
Gordo!
Why is Gordo intimidated by Manuel?
He doesn't understand his anger toward him, Manuel is strong and very aggressive.
Does Gordo's mother approve of him going to the Fandango?
What is the significance of singing in the camp?
It's a way the characters connect and celebrate while returning to their Mexican roots and musical culture
Which loved beer does Juan Diego bring to the fandango?
Monte Azul
Who is Juan Diego? What are his Key Character Traits?
Juan Diego is the mute, red hair (Ginger), and incredibly fast garlic topper
What does Gordo's fight with the rooster symbolize?
Standing up to bullies
How does Gordo describe seeing Manuel, Benito, and Chulis as they drive to the hospital?
Manuel as a bloody Prince on a green throne, Benito and Chulis as servants holding him up/protecting him
What is significant about fighting? Where do we see an example?
Fighting is a way the character's show their physical power and assertiveness while intimidating others or standing their ground. (Ex: Manuel fighting Benito, Gordo vs. Rooster)
A large, community get together with songs, dancing, and drinking
Why doesn't Rafa let manuel to sit in the front seat for the drive over to the hospital?
He doesn't want his chairs and dash stained with Mannuel's blood
What do the men do when Juan Diego cries during a San Vicente song?
They try asking why he's begun to cry, try consoling him and stop Juan Diego from hitting himself before resuming the fandango as if nothing happened
What year is this story (and book) set in?
1970
How does Gordo describe his father's chair?
Long tears as if ripped by bear claws, "that ugly chair is my Pa's throne"
What is a 'Machismo'?
Someone with a strong sense of masculine pride, often a symbol of bravery and strength, views femininity as inferior, intimidating physically through aggression and fighting
Who was Manuel? What did he do?
Manuel was an intimidating bully-like figure constantly working out. He used his strength to scare/threaten gordo, fought his brother for dancing. One of the Los Tigres brothers.
What does drinking and alcohol symbolize in this story? How does Gordo engage with it?
Alcohol is used as a symbol of maturity, power, and is used as a tool to "fit in" among the other men. Gordo notes his fear of drunk men, he drinks the tequila after being encouraged by the older men.
Who would be the most 'Macho' person from Gordo's point of view?
Either his father of Manuel
What is the significance of Gordo drinking the Tequila?
The tequila symbolizes Gordo's acceptance into a man's world / finally being apart of the group. Also the validation he finally received from his father.
What beer is commonly brought to the fandango? (hint: we mentioned this during our Definitions slide)
Caguamas (a 32 oz bottle of beer from Mexico)
What does gordo think of drunk people How do we see his opinions vary?
Gordo thinks "Drunk guys are scary", this includes his father, but also observes other people's personalities at the fandango such as humor, aggressiveness, and sarcasm.
At what point in the story does the fandango get violent? What happens?
Benito (younger los tigres) begins to dance, ignoring Manuel's (older los tigres) anger until they fight. Eventually it turns bloody with Manuel biting through his own tongue.
Is a Fandango a formal or serious event? How do the characters interact the majority of the time?
No, it's a festive party-like gathering. The characters enjoy themselves through drinking, singing, and joking about/with one another
What is the Fandango's significance to the Camp and Gordo?
It's a significant time of connectivity after a long week and being surrounded by songs, conversation, and friends. Gordo views it as a place to learn "how to be normal"
Where does Jaime Cortez's Gordo take place?
Watsonville, California: a Mexican American farm working community