Page 1: Borders and Boundaries in The Tortilla Curtain
This page examines the themes of borders and boundaries in The Tortilla Curtain, contrasting how they impact the Mexican immigrant couple Cándido and América versus the white American couple Delaney and Kyra.
For Cándido and América, borders and boundaries represent:
- Dangerous obstacles to overcome, like the "tortilla curtain" border
- Separation from white society, symbolized by the canyon walls
- Exclusion and oppression
- A sign of being unwelcome in America
For Delaney and Kyra, borders and boundaries represent:
- Protection for their gated community of Arroyo Blanco
- Security from "wild and untamed" outsiders
- Defense of Kyra's dream house and lifestyle
- Identification and a sense of belonging
Highlight: The wall between the Mexican and white characters exists both physically and metaphorically, preventing meaningful interaction.
Vocabulary: Arroyo Blanco - The gated community where Delaney and Kyra live, literally meaning "White Stream" in Spanish.
The page notes that while Delaney considers himself a "liberal humanist", his desire for walls and boundaries reveals underlying prejudices he doesn't openly admit.