Efren Divided chapter 13 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In a bustling Tijuana marketplace, Efren, a young man on a mission to reunite with his mother, navigates the vibrant yet unfamiliar streets. He encounters a world of colorful vendors and lively street life, only to be pursued by suspicious men, prompting a frantic escape. With the help of a local named Lalo, Efren learns about the harsh realities of border life and the struggles of families separated by it. Their journey to the 'Iron Wall', the border fence, reveals the human stories behind the immigration crisis, as Efren grapples with the complexities of seeking a better life for his family.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The story takes place in Tijuana, Mexico, where the protagonist Efren is searching for his mother at El Taco Loco.
• 🔍 Efren is trying to blend in with the locals and is intrigued by the various goods being sold, such as blankets, grocery bags, wrestling masks, and pinatas.
• 🗣️ Efren is puzzled by the vendors calling out to him in English, which makes him feel like an outsider despite his appearance.
• 👦 Efren encounters a boy and girl selling tin flowers made from Coca-Cola cans and, despite limited funds, he decides to help them.
• 💸 Efren carries a significant amount of money in a satchel, which he is using to help his mother cross the border.
• 👀 Efren feels watched and becomes paranoid after handing out money, noticing people staring and whispering.
• 🛣️ The narrative describes a journey through different parts of Tijuana, from vibrant marketplaces to darker, more dangerous streets.
• 🚗 Efren meets Lalo, a taxi driver who helps him navigate the city and shares his own story of being separated from his daughter.
• 🏡 Lalo's living conditions are depicted as modest, highlighting the economic disparity between the areas of Tijuana.
• 🤝 Lalo and Efren bond over shared experiences and aspirations for a better life, despite their different circumstances.
• 🚧 The story touches on the harsh realities of border crossing, with references to coyotes, the risks involved, and the emotional toll on families.

Q & A

What is the significance of the white Tijuana arch in the script?

The white Tijuana arch is a prominent landmark in the script, symbolizing the cultural and geographical setting of the story. It is also compared to the top half of a Ferris wheel, indicating the protagonist's unfamiliarity with the place.

Why does the protagonist, Efren, feel out of place in the marketplace?

Efren feels out of place because he is an outsider and the vendors are calling out to him in English, which suggests they can tell he is not a local. His unfamiliarity with the surroundings and the way he is perceived by the locals contribute to his feeling of being an outsider.

What does Efren do when he encounters the children selling tin flowers?

Efren, moved by the children's situation, gives them a pair of twenty-dollar bills from the satchel meant for saving his mother, Amma. This act shows his empathy and willingness to help despite his own predicament.

How does Efren's perception of his previous life change after his experience in the marketplace?

Efren's experience in the marketplace makes him realize that the material things he once desired, like being rich or having his own room, are insignificant compared to the value of family and being together, which becomes his main priority.

What is the significance of the aqueduct ruins that Efren sees?

The ruins of the aqueduct serve as a symbol of the broken and difficult path that Efren and many others must navigate in their pursuit of a better life. It also represents the physical and metaphorical barriers between different worlds and opportunities.

Why does Lalo take Efren to El Muro?

Lalo takes Efren to El Muro, the Iron Wall, to show him the reality of the border situation and the separation it causes between families. It is also a place where Lalo goes to feel connected to his daughter who is on the other side.

What is the main challenge that Efren faces in trying to help his mother cross the border?

The main challenge Efren faces is finding a reliable and safe way for his mother to cross the border using a coyote, as crossing illegally is dangerous and can lead to being abandoned in the desert or facing other serious risks.

How does Lalo's experience with the border and his daughter influence his perspective on life?

Lalo's experience with the border and his separation from his daughter have made him value the importance of family and the desire for a better life for his child. It has also made him more empathetic towards others in similar situations.

What advice does Lalo give Efren about choosing friends and their influence on one's life?

Lalo advises Efren to surround himself with good people who will bring out the best in him, rather than the worst. He emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and thinking for oneself, as he regrets the mistakes he made due to the wrong company.

What does the scene at El Muro reveal about the human impact of border separation?

The scene at El Muro reveals the emotional and physical toll that border separation takes on families. It shows the longing and pain of separated loved ones who are only able to connect briefly and through the barriers of the iron fence.