Chapter 5 Summer of the Mariposas

Summary

In 'Summer of the Mariposas' by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, five sisters embark on a journey to return a dead man to his family in Mexico. Along the way, they face border gangs, bribe a checkpoint officer, and endure sibling squabbles. Amidst the chaos, they find unity and sisterhood, symbolized by the magical appearance of mariposas, as they prepare for the potential fame that awaits their honorable deed.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The story revolves around a road trip with a group of sisters and a dead man, suggesting a mix of dark humor and adventure.
• 🌍 They are traveling through Mexico, encountering various checkpoints and cultural elements, highlighting the setting's significance.
• 🛂 At a checkpoint, they use bribery to pass through, showcasing the corruption and the characters' resourcefulness.
• 🍿 They stop at various places to buy food and supplies, emphasizing the importance of sustenance and the journey's challenges.
• 👥 There is tension and conflict among the sisters, particularly with the youngest, Pita, indicating family dynamics and personal growth.
• 🌳 They find solace and a moment of peace in a clearing in the woods, surrounded by mariposas, symbolizing hope and beauty amidst adversity.
• 🎶 The radio and music play a role in bringing the sisters together, showing the power of shared experiences and culture.
• 🏠 The sisters discuss the potential fame they might gain from their actions, revealing their motivations and naivety.
• 🚔 There is a sense of urgency to avoid trouble with the law, indicating the gravity of their situation and the stakes involved.
• 💔 The youngest sister, Pita, expresses a desire to go home, missing her mother and the life she left behind, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

Q & A

What is the main concern of the characters when they see idle young men in the plaza?

The characters are worried that the idle young men might be members of border gangs who have been abducting people along the Mexico-US border.

What items do the girls purchase from a street vendor during their stop at Piedras Negras?

Velia and Delia purchase piping hot ears of corn on a stick, Juanita buys icy fruit flavored treats, and the narrator buys a huge bag of tortilla chips, some peanuts, and water bottles.

How do the characters get past the checkpoint outside Piedras Negras on Highway 57?

They get past the checkpoint by bribing the guard with a twenty-dollar bill and a piece of paper that appears to be a travel permit.

What does the 'dead man's hand' refer to in the script?

The 'dead man's hand' is a prop used by the characters to pretend that there is a dead man in the car with them, which helps them in their journey.

Why does the narrator feel stressed when they stop at the gas station just south of Monclova?

The narrator feels stressed because they are worried that the travelers at the gas station will see the 'dead man' propped up against their back window.

What does the narrator do to ensure they are not seen by others while they rest at the secluded spot?

The narrator drives into the woods, finds a small clearing, and ensures they are far off the road and out of sight of anyone passing by.

Why does Pita get tied up by Delia and Velia?

Pita gets tied up because she tries to run away and call their mother, which would jeopardize their mission.

What does the narrator do to comfort Pita after she is untied?

The narrator comforts Pita by holding her tightly, promising that they will go home after delivering the man to his family, and offering her food.

What happens when the characters wake up in the woods after their rest?

They find themselves covered in mariposas, or snout-nosed butterflies, which flutter around them and create a magical moment.

What do the characters anticipate will happen when they deliver the man to his family in El Sacrificio?

The characters anticipate that they will be thanked by the man's wife and family, and possibly become famous or be seen as heroes in the news.

How does the radio and the song by Selena affect the mood of the characters as they drive towards El Sacrificio?

The radio and Selena's song bring the characters closer together, making them enjoy each other's company and feel like sisters again.