Tortilla Curtain

Question 1

Tortilla Curtain

How is The American Dream depicted in the book? - Couples

Answer 1

A. Delaney and Kyra Mossbacher

• affluent white couple, living in a gated community in L.A.
• The American Dream represents a vision of comfort, security, and material success
• Hard working, privileged lifestyle – but plagued by anxieties and insecurities
• Delaney is always afraid to lose his social status in his community
• Kyra is consumed by her desire for a perfect home and family

B. Candido and America Rincon

• Undocumented immigrants living in a makeshift shelter in the hills above the Mossbacher’s neighbourhood
• For them, the American Dream represents a more basic struggle for survival and dignity
• Unable to find steady work, gave almost all the money to human trafficker
• Can’t find affordable housing
• Face harassment and discrimination
• Constantly thwarted by economic, social, and political forces

Question 2

Tortilla Curtain

Boyle shows that American Dream..?

Answer 2

• is a powerful motivator
• Source of frustration and disillusionment
• The dream is often out of reach for those who lack privilege, wealth, or social connections
• The pursuit of this dream can lead to exploitation, inequality, and environmental degradation

Question 3

Tortilla Curtain

Is belonging to certain community/social status always part of identity?

Answer 3

• identity: complex, includes personal beliefs, values, experiences, relationships
• Most people feel a sense of connection to their community or social group, but maintain a sense of their own self – unique experiences and perspectives
• Boyle shows his characters to struggle with their own expectations and those their community has
• Conflicts arise within themselves and with others who hold different beliefs and values

Question 4

Tortilla Curtain

Summary

Answer 4

• The novel explores how hatred and anger begin to affect each of the main characters in turn.
• Delaney hits Cándido with his car and offers him twenty dollars instead of taking him to the doctor, causing Cándido to disappear.
• Delaney and Kyra’s dog is mauled by a coyote, and the community argues over whether to install a gate at the entrance to their neighborhood.
• Delaney has encounters with Jack Jardine, who tries to convince him to support the gate and with Cándido, whom he instinctively thinks of as a “dark alien little man”.
• Cándido and América have been facing their own challenges in the canyon, including being vandalized by Jack Jardine’s son, Jack Jr.
• América finds employment working for Jim Shirley, but is assaulted by José Navidad and his unnamed friend on the canyon trail.
• Delaney becomes increasingly resentful and angry following the theft of his car and waits along the canyon road to see if someone will try to steal the new car he has just purchased.