Themes
How is the theme of secrecy represented in these chapters, and what does it reveal about the characters?
Lorena's secret about her pregnancy and Julia finding out about Olga's affair demonstrate their feelings as outcasts and that they have to keep secrets.
The pregnancy symbolizes her inability to escape her neighborhood.
Who does Julia go visit and where?
Angie at the hotel
How does Olga's lies contradict Ama's perception of her?
Because she turns out to be not the perfect Mexican daughter.
What is this an example of: "Angie sighs. 'How are you?' 'Oh I'm just wonderful.'"
Sarcasm
"College is expensive, and some of us can't rely on our parents." (306). What theme does this quote showcase.
This quote reveals the theme of disparities between social classes, and reveals the economic hardships associated with the lower classes.
"We watch boats sail down the Chicago river" (302)
What does the Chicago river symbolize in this moment. (Hint: Look on the page)
It symbolizes finical freedom, and abundant opportunities to find happiness.
What did Lorena go get a test for and what were the results?
A pregnancy test and it was negative.
How does the cultural expectation of “perfection” impact Julia in these chapters?
The cultural expectation of being the “perfect Mexican daughter” makes her feel suffocated by expectations and is unable to live up to the ideal her mother has of her.
What literary device is found on page 295?
Internal conflict
Where is the theme anxiety found in this chapter?
When Julia sees and talks with Dr. Costillo, she recognizes him as the guy from Olga's funeral. Emotions bring her back to that moment and she has questions.
"When the waitress brings out a basket of bread, we just stare at each other confused until we see the couple next to us dip their bread in olive oil" (303)
What does this quote symbolize?
Poverty and food/hunger - they don't know what to do because they haven't been to a nice restaurant and Julia has a constant struggle with food so going to the restaurant is her overcoming both themes.
What school does conner get into?
Cornell
How do the issues around college today, showcase themselves in the book? Cite a specific excample.
Julia is constantly stressing about it as it is viewed as the only means to escape her situation and this reflects the end all be all vision that has been associated with college.
What kind of literary element is shown in the paragraphs on 296 and 297
Imagery
What role does the cemetery visit play in Julia's emotional journey?
The cemetery visit helps Julia confront her grief over Olga’s death. It allows her to reflect on their relationship and the unresolved emotions she has regarding her sister.
"The sun is beginning to set. A blaze of orange light outlines a giant cloud. I love dusk; it always astonishes me that something so beautiful happens every single day." (298)
What does this quote symbolize?
It symbolizes her love for Connor as she sees the light when she is with him and the possibility of a brighter future that carries her forward everyday. Also, represents a constant light in her life that she can rely on.
How does Dr. Castillo react to Olga's death?
He says that her death ruined her and he got a divorce.
How does culture play a role in Julia's relationship with Connor?
Lorena mentions to Julia that Connor might look down on girls that are from a lower class than him
"I hate this feeling, like the weight of this will make my chest collapse" (296)
Simile
"I don't know why is surprises me that the world doesn't stop just because I'm gone" (299)
What theme does this quote represent?
The constant restlessness in Julia's life and how she handles problems thrown her way. Back to how perspective affects her story, looking at everything as a challenge sheds a negative light that makes her attitude more negative.
What does the letter from Olga to Julia reveal in these chapters?
The letter from Olga to Julia reveals Olga’s struggles with their mother’s expectations and the pain she endured in silence. This letter helps her understand her sister’s own conflicts and also offers Julia some clarity about her own struggles.
Olga was pregnant when she died.
"Don't Do it your Going to hell" (301)
This is a line from the protest outside the abortion clinic. This book was written in 2017. What modern cultural events could explain the context of this scene in this book.
The recent stigma around abortion, and how the country has become very divided over it.
What does the constant and frequent use of dialogue in these chapters show?
The tight knit bond between Lorena and Julia, as they communicate with each other frequently to work through and support each other in the face of constant adversity.