Sophia Scherr CCQC #1

T.C Boyle’s The Tortilla Curtain centers around two families who are running from something and trying to formulate their lives around hardships. The Mosbacher's have a run in with a coyote and The Rincóns are running from their own coyotes. which resembles Immigration. This is a huge symbol when their dogs Osbert and Sacheverell are attacked by a coyote that breaks into their yard. “They wouldn't even listen. Coyotes, gophers, yellow jackets, rattlesnakes even-they were a pain in the ass, sure but nature was was the least of our problems” (39). The coyote is a symbol of the breaking bond of freedom and power. América and Cándido are running from their own coyotes which is Immigration. They symbolize the lonely, defenseless dogs who are trying to live their lives in peace. After the family dog Sacheverell is eaten by the coyote, Delaney motions at the neighborhood community meeting to have gates installed so this wouldn't happen to anything else. His opinions are challenged by many in the meeting. Many of the community members aren't looking to not keep out the coyotes as much as: “the Salvadorians, the Mexicans, the Blacks, the gangbangers, and taggers and carjakers” (9). The dilemma was that as higher fences do not protect the Mosbacher's’ dogs against coyotes, a gate or a wall may not protect the development against illegal immigrants. Coyotes are also symbolized as illegal immigrants. They go where they want to go and break rules. The nature of illegal immigrants is expressed through these coyotes who have a double persona. One side is ominous and scrounging for something to get rid of which relates to Immigration than the ruthless and sneaky side to them which relates to illegal immigrants running. “Do you realize what you’re saying? Immigrants are the lifeblood of this country—we’re a nation of immigrants—and neither of us would be standing here today if it wasn't.” (101) The symbol of coyote has a huge impact on both main couple characters in the book.

The American Dream is the myth held in the United States that everybody can make it from rags to riches, and that everybody can achieve their goals through hard work, courage and determination. América and Cándido came to America to start a new life with their family and to find work. Their dream seems pretty bleak at the beginning of their journey where Cándido gets hit by Delaney’s car and hes pretty injured. He refused Delaneys help because he couldn't afford anything such as medical bills or a rich mans help. “And then, before the words could turn to ash in his mouth, it was out: “I told you-he was Mexican.” (15). Delaney only gave Cándido twenty dollars and was pretty self-conscious instead or immediately worrying for the bleeding stranger. “Delaney’s first thought was for the car... then for the insurance rates… and finally, belatedly, for the victim.” (4). As their lives go on, América and Cándido continue to go through major dilemmas to keeping themselves fed and safe. Once América gets a job from a fat rich guy, she supports her family while Cándido heals. “She felt a surge of hope: the worst of it was behind them now” (127).  In contrast to their situation, Delaney Mossbacher and his wife Kyra who are not satisfied with their lives, even though they are a well-situated family. They feel that they have no real purpose because of their high class standard. “all Delaney’s neighbors could talk about, back and forth and on and on as if it were the key to all existence, was gates….To be erected at the main entrance and manned by a twenty-four-hour guard to keep out those very gangbangers, taggers and carjackers they’d come here to escape.” (39). Kyra especially feels worthless due to her never seeing Jordan a lot because of her work schedule. The American dream is portrayed by two couples. Two who are fighting to break into the culture, and two who want a break pf the egotistical neighborhood who is nestled into the dream.