Page 2: Character Contrasts in The Tortilla Curtain

This page provides an in-depth analysis of The Tortilla Curtain, focusing on the stark contrasts between the two main couples - Cándido and América versus Delaney and Kyra.

The setting is established as Los Angeles, California, where these two families with vastly different backgrounds coexist. Key contrasts include:

1. Economic status:

   • Delaney and Kyra are wealthy, with Delaney receiving parental support and Kyra working as a successful real estate agent.
   • Cándido and América live in poverty, struggling to earn and save money.

2. Priorities and values:

   • When Delaney accidentally hits Cándido with his car, he's more concerned about damage to his vehicle than Cándido's wellbeing.
   • This incident reveals Delaney's true priorities, despite his self-proclaimed "liberal humanist" ideals.

3. Relationship with nature:

   • Delaney enjoys hiking in the canyons for leisure.
   • For Cándido, the canyons are a necessary route to find work, eventually becoming a source of nightmares.

4. The American Dream:

   • Delaney has achieved material success but still feels unfulfilled without a child.
   • Cándido's dream is more basic - to provide for his family and keep his promises to América.

5. Gender roles:

   • Delaney is comfortable with Kyra being the primary breadwinner.
   • Cándido feels ashamed when América wants to work, adhering to traditional gender roles.

6. Cultural background:

   • Delaney is portrayed as modern and emancipated.
   • Cándido is described as conservative and religious, influenced by his Catholic upbringing in Mexico.

Quote: "By calling her his 'little indian' he disrespects her and clarifies that her young age and gender makes her less worth."

Highlight: Despite the importance of Mexican immigrants to the American economy, Delaney's liberal ideals are challenged by his growing desire to "shut them out" and blame them for societal problems.

This page provides a comprehensive characterization of Cándido and América in The Tortilla Curtain, as well as Delaney and Kyra, highlighting the complex dynamics and prejudices at play in the novel.