Question

(Tell them not to kill me!) What is ironic about Juvencio’s capture and his fierce desire to live? Cite details from the story that illustrate the irony.

Answer 1

Juvencio’s capture was his karma returning back. It was because of Juvencio’s ox, Don Lupe lost his life. For a period of thirty-five years, Juvencio hid himself from the people in order to save himself from the punishment. It was ironical that, in his old age Juvencio had such an urge to live that he initially pleaded himself as innocent.

When this trick didn’t work, Juvencio urged his son to beseech for his life in front of Colonel. He had such a strong desire to live, but still couldn’t understand the value of life and Colonel’s loss.

Answer 2

He is captured by a colonel who is son of Don Lupe that was killed by Juvencio. When some men are trampling on his small property he goes out to tell them not to do that when he is captured. He doesn't want to die and he says that he is not a threat to anybody because he is too old then the colonel tells his men to get Juvencio drunk.