Efren Divided Chapter 5 by Ernesto Cisneros Read aloud
Summary
TLDRThe 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.
Outlines
📚 Efren's School Challenges and Candidacy Campaign
Efren rushes to school to complete his homework to maintain his perfect assignment streak. Upon arriving, he faces the realization of having multiple tasks but limited time, especially for annotating an article for Mr. Garrett's class, who is strict about no extensions. Meanwhile, his friend David is running for class president, promising to abolish homework, which resonates with students. Efren is caught up in the election excitement but struggles with the possibility of failing to complete his homework, envisioning the disappointment of his parents if they discover his academic struggles.
🏠 Efren's Family Turmoil and Emotional Struggle
Efren returns home hoping to find his mother, Amma, but discovers she hasn't returned, adding to his worries after a challenging day. His interactions with neighbors hint at trouble, and his siblings' reactions deepen his concerns. Late into the evening, he overhears his father revealing Amma's difficulties with smugglers during her immigration attempt, including the loss of money and personal belongings. This news devastates Efren, confronting him with the harsh realities of his family's situation and his father's vulnerability, prompting a deeply emotional response from both.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Homework
💡Divorce
💡Cafeteria
💡Campaign
💡Parent Notification Slip
💡Family Struggles
💡Immigration
💡School Politics
💡Academic Pressure
💡Friendship
💡Responsibility
Highlights
Efren remembers his homework just in time to maintain his perfect year-and-a-half record.
Efren struggles with completing three different tasks, notably a challenging article annotation.
Mr. Garrett's strict policy of no homework extensions without a parent's note adds to Efren's stress.
David, running for president, attempts to appeal to all his voters with a strategically colored shirt.
Efren debates using a fake note to excuse his incomplete homework but decides against it.
Efren is pressured by the potential disappointment of his parents if they discover his incomplete homework.
The cold interaction outside Mr. Garrett's classroom contrasts with the supportive atmosphere at Efren's home.
Amma's anticipated return home brings relief from Efren's household responsibilities.
Efren's rush home is fueled by the hope of Amma's return, only to find signs she hasn't come back yet.
Donya Chana's distressed state and Efren's concern for Amma highlight the emotional turmoil of the family.
Mia remains oblivious to the family's struggles, focusing on the simpler joys like greeting Efren.
Efren overhears Apa's troubling conversation about Amma's struggles with smugglers and stolen money.
The revelation of the stolen money and the perilous situation leaves Efren feeling helpless and fearful.
Apa's tears reveal the depth of his distress, a rare and alarming sight for Efren.
The emotional climax where both father and son share a moment of vulnerability, reflecting their deep bond and shared pain.
Transcripts
chapter five with the little ones now
under Miss Solomon's care Efren suddenly
suddenly remembered his homework which
he'd completely forgotten about until
that very minute huffing and puffing he
finally reached the middle school he
needed to get to the library and do his
homework if he hoped to keep his perfect
year and the half streak of not missing
a single assignment but as he pulled out
his class agenda he discovered three
different tasks waiting for him he
scanned the math homework or worksheet
it was simple enough he could finish it
during the warm warm-up activity at the
start of class same with the Venn
diagram on on amphibians for science but
how could he annotate an entire
three-page article from Mr Garrett with
only 15 minutes until the first Bell
that friend's mouth went sour and his
stomach tightened it wasn't as if Mr
Garrett would under it wasn't as if Mr
Garrett would understand no way not him
not unless Mr Garrett had a simple
policy no homework extensions at least
not without a parent's nope but the only
way to come up with one would be to
Efren shook his head as if trying to
throw the idea away but it held strong
he gathered his belongings and headed to
the cafeteria David liked cutting it
close so chances were he might not or he
might not be there still Efren thought
it was worth checking if he were on time
for a change he'd no doubt be at the
lunch area munching on anything but
anything cheese flavored everyone
hurried down the stairway finding his
best friend turned out to be pretty
simple all he had to do was look right
ahead of the brightly dressed kid
standing on top of a lunch bench
hollering something about doing away
with all the homework if he were elected
president
David leaped off the table the second he
caught side of Efrin yofmon it's working
I'm everyone is or I talked to has
promised him to vote for me I'm telling
you it's in the bag effort and leaned in
closer to examine David's lilac shirt
and squinted pretending to be blinded by
its brightness what's up with this shirt
it's the perfect blend of blue and pink
and David rolled his eyes simple I want
to appeal to all my voters blue for boys
pink for girls that French Shrugged at
least you'll be safe crossing the street
you want to help me pass out some flyers
Efren caught himself pursing his lips
together like alpaw did I often did and
felt the pressure building inside
actually he couldn't believe the words
coming out of his mouth I need a favor
anything bro just name it the classroom
door was a jar yet every student in Mr
Garrett's first period class preferred
to wait outside in the cold morning air
friend poked his head inside Mr Garrett
asked Stephan may I speak with you Mr
Garrett lowered his magazine Mr Nava you
you do realize the Bell has not yet rung
as Efron took a deep breath his eyes
glanced over to Mr Garrett's left hand
to his bare ring finger there was no
wedding ring just a white tan line in
its place according to the cheese man at
school Mr Garrett went through a tough
divorce even lost custody of his son and
daughter probably the reason he was so
cranky I know sir reference and it's
about my homework I didn't get a chance
to complete it Mr Garrett's right
eyebrow been kind of funny you really
guess that just leaves Jennifer Huerta
for the perfect homework award at the
end of the year unless of course you
have a note Efron dug his hand into his
pocket and pinched at the corners of his
phony note he thought back to the awards
night last school year remembering
however loudly both amanappa had cheered
when the principal caught his name then
he imagined the look of disappointment
on their faces if they ever found out
what he'd done he he took his hand out
of his pocket and clenched it closed no
sir I don't have a note in that case go
ahead and fill out a parent notification
slip and sign the missed homework log
Efren turned away head down
oh and make sure you return the slipper
it's an automatic referral to the office
office the word alone made him uneasy
for the rest of class Effron did his
best to stay focused as Mr Garrett
droned on about the lack of proper
citations in today's media well as best
he could with David slipping him little
notes with campaign slogan ideas he
watched the clocks a minute hand inch
its way through the complete Loop
and everyone thought about our Paz
promise Amma would be returning today
that was all that mattered no more
struggling to entangle Mia's long wavy
hair and figuring out how to braid it
perfectly centered down her back it also
meant not having to chase a naked Max
around the apartment trying to put on a
fresh pair of undies on him
and said that my nephrine could go back
to hiding out in the bathtub finishing
what could possibly be his favorite book
the whole time knowing that a delicious
breakfast awaited him when he stepped
out he took a deep breath Imagining the
scent of cinnamon escaping a fresh fresh
pot of arroz con leche the thought made
his stomach grow growl
have friends printed right home after
school stopping only when he reached the
bottom steps to his apartment gasping
for breath he eyed the clothes blinds to
his living room window his initial
thought was that Amma was not yet not
home but he wasn't ready to accept
defeat not just yet after all it was
completely possible that she was just
tired from the difficult trip and
decided to take a nap Efren climbed the
stairs removed this key safely
safety pinned onto the inside of his
shirt collar he unlocked both the metal
screen and front door once inside he
searched each section of the room the
sheets over the mattresses lay unfolded
just as he'd left them this morning
the only other place left to check was
the bathroom which he immediately headed
to he knocked and pushed the door open
nothing
he rushed into the kitchen area and
searched the countertop for signs of his
mother's cooking perhaps the scent of
salsa roasting on her caramel griddle
but all he smelled was this stale scent
of dread now filling the room Efrin
rushed outside rodonya immediately waved
him over oh hi I thought you were in L.A
I was but gracias adios I came back
early gracias adios something was
definitely wrong a friend's stomach
nodded as he entered Don yachana's
apartment
the twins sat on the couch watching a
cartoon on her cell phone this time only
Mia ran up to meet him he boosted her up
and gave her a long sturdy hug though
Mia couldn't imagine the real reason
behind it she didn't mind at all Mia
planted her chin on her over his
shoulder a perfect fit when is Emma
coming back she asked Efron gazed up at
Donya China who looked on the verge of
tears she would stay that way the rest
of the evening barely speaking a word
he pulled me a back and smiled as big as
he could soon me up very soon that night
after about an hour of reading together
Efron me and Max finally fell asleep but
soon the sound of work boots entering
the room woke up Ephraim Efren he kept
himself perfectly still but his eyes
followed as APA made a beeline for the
kitchen phone
whispered to some mystery person at the
other end Efren couldn't believe his
ears he ain't hearing a pie admit that
he didn't know what to do next terrified
him there were so many things that could
have gone wrong
according to the laundromat gossip he'd
heard bits of crossing over was very
dangerous the Smugglers or coyotes were
not good people they were criminals who
took advantage of desperate families
sometimes just dumping them in the
desert a bus sniffled and pounded the
table hard no like
wanting to catch every word his father
said Efron stayed perfectly still and
even held his breath but hearing that
amma's purse had been stolen along with
the money papa had borrowed made after
his entire body shake foreign
where would he find the money to get her
home the question ripped a hole in that
friend's heart even as more questions
filled his mind where could Emma be was
she hurt was she scared would she ever
be coming back it was all too much for
Efrin he opened his eyes and pushed
himself up is am I all right
put down the phone and thumbed the
corners of his eyes yes Miho she is fine
but she isn't coming home is she rush to
eat for inside and out by the mattress
son look at me it is just a delay
nothing more I swear Efren squeezed his
eyes shut but no matter how much he
tried to stop them tears managed to seep
down his face it's okay to cry I miss
her too
that was all the permission that friend
needed he leapt into his father's arms
tucking his face into his chest a Paz
own sobbing body caused his body her own
Sovereign caused his body to bob up and
down as if he were hiccuping Efren
couldn't remember ever seeing his father
like this not because Obama was too
Macho for something like that not a PA
if anything he simply didn't want to add
to the family's problems like when he
got got sick last month and my mom had
to force him to stay home from work
despite his burning temperature up I
insisted doctor's raw quacks and that
all they ever do is suggest Tylenol rest
and plenty of water it wasn't until a ma
raised her voice and scolded him about
the poor example he was setting for his
children that he finally got him to
admit the truth that he didn't want to
spend the Christmas money he'd set aside
for the family on himself
besides he had said pointing to his soul
called zipper on his belly I'm still
paying for this visit remember Ahmad
didn't laugh as it turned out the doctor
had found APA had pneumonia something on
my blamed on the long hours he spent
working in the cold APA was tough his
nail nails seeing him cry like this
meant things were really bad and it
scared Efren scared him a lot
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