Efren Divided chapter 19 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Summary

In a school filled with tension, Efren is expected to confront David over a poster incident. Surprisingly, he offers a handshake, turning a potential fight into a moment of unity. Their friendship, strengthened by mutual respect and shared experiences, leads Efren to reconsider his decision to drop out of a school election. Inspired by David's support and his mother's influence, Efren decides to run, vowing to make a difference and educate others about their rights. This heartfelt narrative showcases the power of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Takeaways

• 👋 Efren is excused from the office but chooses to wait for David instead of getting lunch first, showing his loyalty and concern for their friendship.
• 🤝 Efren extends a hand to David rather than engaging in a fight, demonstrating his maturity and desire for reconciliation.
• 😔 The community's reaction to Efren's gesture is initially negative, with boos and hisses, indicating a deep-seated tension.
• 🌟 David acknowledges Efren's past kindness and support, highlighting the importance of their friendship and mutual respect.
• 🏆 Efren decides to drop out of the race to support David, showing his selflessness and commitment to their friendship over personal ambition.
• 🙅‍♂️ David refuses to let Efren quit, insisting that Efren deserves the position and has proven his character.
• 📢 David encourages Efren to run for office to make a positive impact, emphasizing that Efren's values can influence the school and the world.
• 😢 The conversation reveals a personal tragedy involving Efren's mother, adding emotional depth to his character and motivations.
• 🤗 David comforts Efren with a 'bro hug,' symbolizing their strong bond and mutual support.
• 📜 Efren contemplates his role and decides to use his position to educate parents and fight for rights, showing his dedication to social justice.
• 🗣️ Efren seeks the support of his friends to start a campaign, illustrating the power of teamwork and collective action.

Q & A

Why did Efren go back upstairs to the quad area instead of getting his lunch?

Efren went back upstairs to the quad area to wait for David, indicating his intention to confront or reconcile with him.

What was the expectation of the students when Efren and David met at the quad area?

The students expected a big fight between Efren and David, as indicated by them stopping and gathering to watch.

How did Efren react to the students' expectations of a fight?

Efren defied the students' expectations by calmly walking over and extending his hand to David instead of engaging in a fight.

What did David mean when he said he was returning a favor to Efren?

David referred to the time when he first moved to the neighborhood and Efren treated him kindly, calling him an honorary Mexican and helping him fit in.

Why did Efren decide to drop out of the race for student president?

Efren decided to drop out of the race because he didn't want to run against his best friend David, and also because of the incident with his vandalized poster.

What was David's response to Efren's decision to drop out of the race?

David insisted that Efren should not quit, stating that he was running only to counteract people's perception of him as stupid, and that Efren should be the one to win.

What role did Efren's mother play in influencing his decision to stay in the race?

Efren's mother, referred to as 'Amma', had a significant influence on him. David encouraged Efren to continue for his mother's sake, indicating her importance in his life.

What gesture did David and Efren share that symbolized their strong friendship?

David and Efren shared the longest 'bro hug' the school had ever seen, symbolizing their deep and reconciled friendship.

What motivated Efren to change his mind about quitting the race?

Efren was motivated by his mother's influence, David's support, and the realization that he could make a difference, especially after reflecting on his family's struggles and his own potential to be a positive change.

What did Efren decide to do instead of quitting the race?

Instead of quitting, Efren decided to start a campaign to educate parents about their rights and possibly get schools to join them in their cause.

What is the significance of the wrought iron fence in Efren's reflection?

The wrought iron fence symbolizes the border wall ('El Muro') that separates Efren from his mother, and his reflection on it represents his determination not to give up, just as his mother never did.