Question

Directions: Carefully read each the following excerpts from the novel, The Tortilla Curtain by

T.C. Boyle. Then write a well-organized response for each, in which you analyze the
development of character. In your analysis, you may wish to consider literary elements and
how these elements contribute to the overall meaning as a whole, literary elements to
consider but are not limited to, theme, figurative language, syntax, diction and tone. Please
proofread your answers before submitting as you will be marked down for common errors.
"America had been terrified to begin with-what she and Candido were doing was illegal,
and she'd never done anything illegal in her life. Crouching there beside the corrugated iron
fence, her mouth dry and heart racing, she waited through the long night till the coyote gave
the word..." (Boyle 59).

Answer 1

The excerpt from 'The Tortilla Curtain' reveals the character America's struggle with committing an illegal act, which is emphasized through literary elements like figurative language and tone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from T.C. Boyle's The Tortilla Curtain illustrates the character America's anxiety and fear as she faces the illegal act of crossing the border. The literary elements, such as figurative language and tone, serve to enhance our understanding of her psychological state. America's actions are shown as being against her lawful nature, which intensifies the internal conflict she experiences.

The 'corrugated iron fence' symbolizes the barrier not only physically but also morally and culturally that she is about to cross. This passage's vivid description allows the reader to empathize with her trepidation and sense of vulnerability during this life-changing moment. Boyle's word choice and the pacing of the sentence structure contribute to a suspenseful atmosphere, remarking on themes of fear, illegality, and the risks taken for a new beginning.