Efren Divided chapter 14 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Brant Crowther

22 Mar 202307:51

Summary

TLDRIn this poignant chapter, Efren, a young boy, navigates the bustling streets of Tijuana with his friend Lalo in search of his mother, Amma, who has been deported. The story captures the vibrancy of the community and the harsh realities of life on the border. After a chance encounter at a Taco Loco restaurant, Efren is reunited with his mother, and they share a warm embrace. Lalo, having experienced the perils of border crossing himself, offers to help Amma return to the U.S., despite the high cost and risks involved. The chapter highlights the resilience and determination of the characters as they face the challenges of separation and the pursuit of a better life.

Takeaways

👀 Efren observes the hardworking community through Lalo's car window, noting the contrast with American children's leisure activities.
📍 Lalo and Efren arrive at a wax museum, where Efren feels a mix of nervousness and excitement.
🏃 Efren rushes to Taco Loco restaurant after Lalo points it out, believing his mother might be there.
😊 A warm interaction occurs at the restaurant between Efren, his mother Amma, and the lady behind the counter.
🤝 Lalo is introduced to Amma, and she expresses gratitude for his help in finding Efren.
🍴 The group shares a meal together, discussing Amma's deportation and the challenges of crossing the border.
💸 Efren offers Lalo money to help with the costs of crossing the border, but it's not enough for the high fees.
🤔 Lalo promises to help Amma cross the border through his connections, despite the risks and costs involved.
👪 Amma expresses concern for her family, especially Efren, who has taken on extra responsibilities in her absence.
🛣️ Lalo arranges for Amma's border crossing through the hills, setting a time for the next morning.
🚴‍♀️ Amma shares her own daring border crossing story, lightening the mood and showing her resilience.

Q & A

What is the setting of the story in Chapter 14?
-The story is set in Tijuana, Mexico, with scenes taking place in Lalo's car, a wax museum, and a Taco Loco restaurant.
Why is Efren looking for his mother?
-Efren is looking for his mother because she has been deported and is not with him in the United States.
How does Lalo help Efren in the story?
-Lalo helps Efren by driving him around to look for his mother and later by arranging for her to cross the border back into the United States.
What is the significance of the wax museum in the story?
-The wax museum is where Lalo parks the car when they arrive in Tijuana, and it serves as a landmark that helps Efren orient himself in the new environment.
Why does Efren run to the Taco Loco restaurant?
-Efren runs to the Taco Loco restaurant because Lalo points it out as the place where his mother might be, based on a clue from a woman at the restaurant.
What is the relationship between Efren and Lalo?
-Efren and Lalo are friends, with Lalo acting as a mentor and guide to Efren in his quest to find his mother.
What challenges does Lalo face regarding his own immigration status?
-Lalo has been deported before, spent money on fake papers, and was arrested and sent back. He has a record that makes it difficult for him to get permission to return to the United States legally.
How much money does Efren give to Lalo to help his mother cross the border?
-Efren gives Lalo almost thirteen hundred dollars to help his mother with the expenses of crossing the border.
What is the significance of the story about Amma's own border crossing?
-Amma's story about crossing the border on the back of a motorcycle while seven months pregnant shows the lengths to which people will go to be with their families and highlights the bravery and determination of immigrants.
What is the plan for Amma to cross the border back into the United States?
-The plan is for Amma to cross the border through the hills with the help of Lalo's connections, which is a dangerous and expensive endeavor.
How does the story depict the struggles of immigrant families?
-The story shows the struggles of immigrant families through the separation of Efren and his mother due to deportation, the financial burden of attempting to reunite, and the emotional toll on family members left behind.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Reunion and Assistance

Efren, after being dropped off by Lalo, reunites with his mother, Amma, at a restaurant in Tijuana. They discuss the challenges of life in the city and Lalo's past attempts to cross the border. Amma expresses her concern for her family's well-being, and Efren offers the money he has to help Lalo with his border crossing attempt. Amma's deportation and the family's separation are highlighted, and Lalo promises to help Amma cross the border again, despite the high cost and risks involved.

05:01

😔 Trials and Tribulations

In this paragraph, Amma and Efren share a tender moment, discussing the hardships they've faced since her deportation, including Efren's responsibilities at home. Lalo returns to the table after making arrangements for Amma's border crossing, which is planned for the next morning. Amma shares a humorous story about her own border crossing experience, lightening the mood. The group toasts to Amma's safe return, and Lalo assures Efren of his mother's safety during the journey.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Efren

Efren is a central character in the script, representing the youth and the drive to reunite with family. He is depicted as proactive and caring, as seen when he actively searches for his mother and offers financial help for her return. His actions and emotions are key to understanding the theme of family bonds and the struggles of immigration.

💡Lalo

Lalo is a supportive friend to Efren, who helps him in his quest to find his mother. He is portrayed as resourceful and connected, with the ability to arrange for his friend's mother's return. His role highlights the importance of community and friendship in overcoming challenges, especially in the context of immigration.

💡Work Ethic

The work ethic in the script is exemplified by the observation that 'everyone here was busy with work even the kids.' This concept is integral to the narrative, illustrating the industrious nature of the community and the expectation that everyone contributes, which is a common theme in immigrant communities where survival and success are often tied to hard work.

💡Deportation

Deportation is a pivotal concept in the script, as it is the reason why Efren's mother is separated from her family. It refers to the forced removal of a person from a country, typically due to immigration violations. The script uses this term to explore the harsh realities and emotional turmoil faced by families affected by immigration enforcement.

💡Coyotes

Coyotes are individuals who smuggle people across borders, often for a high fee and with significant risks involved. In the script, Lalo mentions the dangers of using coyotes and the high cost associated with their services, which underscores the desperate measures people may take to reunite with their families.

💡Tortillas

Tortillas are a staple food in many Latin American cultures, and their mention in the script serves as a cultural touchstone. The lady behind the counter flattening out rolls of masa to make tortillas is a nod to traditional practices and evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort, contrasting with the challenges faced by the characters.

💡Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola themed tables in the Taco Loco restaurant are a detail that adds to the setting's authenticity and cultural atmosphere. It also serves as a symbol of globalization and the blending of cultures, which is relevant in a story about immigration and cultural identity.

💡Masa

Masa is a traditional dough made from corn used to make tortillas and other Latin American dishes. Its mention in the script connects to the theme of cultural heritage and the importance of preserving traditions even in the face of displacement and change.

💡Border Crossing

Border crossing is a key theme in the script, as it deals with the perilous journeys and difficult decisions individuals make to enter another country. Lalo's past experiences and the planned crossing for Efren's mother highlight the risks and the determination of those seeking a better life or reunification with loved ones.

💡Family Separation

Family separation is a central theme in the script, as it directly affects the characters' actions and emotions. The script explores the impact of this separation on Efren and his family, emphasizing the emotional toll and the lengths they are willing to go to be reunited.

💡Financial Struggle

The financial struggle is evident when Efren hands over his savings to Lalo to help with his mother's return. The script uses this to illustrate the sacrifices individuals and families are willing to make in the pursuit of reunification and a better life, despite the significant costs involved.

Highlights

Efren observes the busy lifestyle of the people around him, contrasting it with the leisure activities of kids in the US.

Lalo's words about making do resonate with Efren, reflecting their community's resilience.

Efren experiences nervous excitement upon arriving at the wax museum.

Efren's quick thinking leads him to Taco Loco restaurant where he expects to find Amma.

A warm interaction at Taco Loco between Efren and a lady who knows about his situation.

Amma's search for Efren and her concern for his well-being are evident.

An emotional reunion between Efren and Amma, showcasing their strong bond.

Lalo's introduction to Amma and her gratitude for helping Efren.

Amma's deportation story and the hardships she faced are shared over a meal.

Lalo's own experiences with border crossing and the challenges he faced.

Efren's attempt to contribute financially to help his mother cross the border.

Amma's emotional response to the realization of the financial challenge to reunite with her family.

Lalo's promise to help Efren and Amma, despite the risks and costs involved.

Efren's concern for his brother's well-being and Amma's worry about their separation.

Amma's pride in Efren's resilience and ability to take care of his siblings.

Amma shares her own daring border crossing story, highlighting her bravery and determination.

Lalo arranges a risky border crossing plan for Amma, showing his commitment to help.

Amma's humorous anecdote about her border crossing on a motorcycle while pregnant.

A toast to Amma's safe return, symbolizing hope and unity among Efren, Lalo, and Amma.