Final answer:
Without specific context from the text, Papi's trade of a painting job for Merci's tuition likely reflects the socioeconomic challenge of affording education, suggesting he cannot afford the tuition otherwise.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "Why did Papi trade the painting job for Merci's tuition?" appears to be from a work of fiction, and without specific context, answering it accurately is not possible. However, if we draw on general socio-economic themes encountered in literature, Papi's decision to trade work, such as a painting job, for Merci's tuition could be seen as a reflection of socio-economic challenges. Many families of low socioeconomic status often must find creative solutions to afford opportunities like education for their children, as they are not afforded the same financial means as those of a higher status.
Papi likely took this course of action because he cannot afford the tuition otherwise, and providing a service like a painting in exchange for tuition is a means of accessing education for Merci. This scenario illustrates the often difficult balance working-class families must establish between contributing to their immediate financial needs and investing in long-term benefits like education.