Characters
The main character of the book. He is taken care of by Celia before moving into the Big House.
Who is Matt?
This is the name of the young boy discovered alone in the poppy fields at the beginning of the story.
Who is Matt?
This theme focuses on Matt’s struggle to define himself and be recognized as unique rather than merely a copy of El Patrón.
What is identity?
An exact genetic copy of a living thing.
What is a clone?
While hiding in the poppy fields, Matt is discovered after this impulsive action when children approach his home.
What is breaking open the window?
A famous drug lord. He is over 140 years old.
Who is El Patron?
Matt was found injured after trying to interact with these people in the poppy fields.
Who are Steven, Maria, and Emilia?
The oppressive social structure in The House of the Scorpion highlights this theme, emphasizing how power is used to dominate others.
What is the abuse of power?
A drug that is made from harvesting poppies.
What is Opium?
Matt’s first real interaction with another child leads to a frantic escape through a glass window and a trip to a hospital.
Who is Maria?
Matt's bodyguard that is assigned to him.
Who is Tam Lin?
After being found in the fields, Matt is taken in by this Estate, in which he figures out his origins.
What is the Big House (Alacran Estate)?
The debate on whether science has gone too far or not. Cloning is often brought up to either support this or disagree with this idea.
What is the limits on science?
Creatures that are known as goat suckers.
What are chupacabras?
In several early scenes, Matt is treated cruelly by this woman until his status is revealed.
Who is Rosa?
The oldest son of Mr. Alacran. Described by Celia as a "real devil".
Who is Benito?
Matt figures out he is one of these by living in the Big House.
What is a clone?
This concept contrasts what Matt’s genetic outline might determine with the choices he actually makes as he grows.
What is nature versus nuture?
Used commonly as an insult, these are people with computer chips in their brains.
What are eejits?
Matt secretly explores a hidden passageway in the estate where he can look into rooms and hear what’s happening in the mansion.
What is the hiding closet?
The American Senator who visits the Estate often. Has two daughters.
Who is Senator Mendoza?
It took this many drops of life to get one clone of El Patron.
What is 36 drops of life?
In Opium, this tool is used by those in power to strip clones and eejits of their humanity, enabling their exploitation.
What is language and law?
This word means to strip someone of their humanity by mistreating them or treating them like an animal.
What is dehumanizing?
At El Patrón’s birthday celebration, Matt must find this missing animal that belongs to María.
What is a small, fluffy dog (Furball)?