Efren Divided Chapter 5 by Ernesto Cisneros Read aloud

Summary

The transcript revolves around the character Efren, who is a diligent student striving to maintain his perfect academic record. He faces a challenge when he realizes he has forgotten his homework and must complete it before class starts. Amidst his academic pressures, Efren also grapples with personal turmoil as his mother, Amma, is away and he anxiously awaits her return. His friend David is running for class president and is confident of winning. Efren's concern for his mother's safety and whereabouts intensifies when he overhears his father discussing a dangerous situation involving smugglers. The narrative delves into Efren's emotional journey as he navigates the complexities of school life, friendship, and the fear of losing a loved one. The story is a poignant depiction of a young person's resilience in the face of academic and familial challenges.

Takeaways

• 📚 Efren is determined to maintain his perfect homework completion streak, despite forgetting about an assignment.
• 🏫 He struggles with the decision of creating a fake note to excuse his incomplete homework, ultimately choosing honesty.
• 🤝 David, Efren's friend, is running for class president with a campaign to end homework, utilizing bold clothing to appeal to all voters.
• 📅 The pressure of school responsibilities and family expectations weigh heavily on Efren, influencing his actions and decisions.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Efren's family dynamic is crucial to his emotional support, with his parents and siblings providing a backdrop for his daily life.
• 💔 Mr. Garrett, a strict teacher with no tolerance for late homework, adds to Efren's stress, reflecting his personal troubles through his demeanor.
• 🚸 The narrative illustrates the challenges of managing schoolwork, family life, and personal ethics in a young student's life.
• 🔑 Efren's internal conflict and his efforts to balance right and wrong demonstrate his growth and moral development.
• 🏠 The arrival of Efren's mother is eagerly anticipated, highlighting the importance of her presence in the stability of the household.
• 😢 Emotional resilience and vulnerability are explored through the interactions within Efren's family, particularly in the climactic moments of stress and relief.

Q & A

What is Efren's initial reason for rushing to the middle school?

Efren rushes to the middle school because he suddenly remembers his homework, which he had forgotten, and needs to maintain his perfect streak of not missing any assignments for a year and a half.

What dilemma does Efren face regarding his homework?

Efren faces the dilemma of having to complete three different tasks in a short amount of time. While he plans to quickly finish his math worksheet and the Venn diagram on amphibians, he struggles with how to annotate a three-page article within 15 minutes before class.

Why does Efren think Mr. Garrett won't be understanding about extending the homework deadline?

Efren believes Mr. Garrett won't be understanding about extending the homework deadline because Mr. Garrett has a strict policy of not allowing homework extensions without a parent's note.

What strategy does David use in his campaign to win the election for class president?

David uses the strategy of appealing to all his voters by wearing a lilac shirt, which is a blend of blue and pink—blue for boys and pink for girls, aiming to capture the interest of all classmates.

What personal struggle does Mr. Garrett face, according to school gossip?

According to school gossip, Mr. Garrett is facing personal struggles as he has recently gone through a tough divorce, lost custody of his children, and this turmoil is possibly a reason for his cranky demeanor.

How does Efren react when faced with the opportunity to use a fake note for his homework?

Efren initially considers using a phony note to excuse his incomplete homework, but ultimately decides against it, refusing to present the note to Mr. Garrett and accepting the consequences.

What significant event is Efren anticipating at home?

Efren is anticipating the return of his mother, Amma, who has been away. He looks forward to the end of his responsibilities such as managing his siblings and household chores, and returning to his normal routines.

What signs at home lead Efren to think his mother might not have returned yet?

When Efren arrives home, he notices signs like closed blinds and unfolded sheets, indicating that his mother might not have returned as expected.

What emotional response does Efren experience when he finds out the truth about his mother's situation?

Efren feels deeply upset and anxious when he learns from his father that his mother's return has been delayed due to complications, including her purse being stolen. This news makes him fearful and tearful about her safety and their future.

How does the chapter describe the impact of family struggles on Efren and his father?

The chapter describes the profound emotional impact of family struggles on both Efren and his father, showcasing their vulnerability and fear as they face uncertainties about Amma's return and cope with the emotional toll of their situation.