Question

With Tomiko around to help, Manuel says he was “renewed and confident.” Later in that section, Manuel begins to experience anxiety and, ultimately, resentment of Tomiko. What causes Manuel’s change of heart? Cite specific evidence from the story to support your answer.

Answer 1

Manuel’s change of heart is caused by the power dynamics of their relationship. When Tomiko first arrives, Manuel feels in control and is “renewed and confident.” However, he soon recognizes that she has taken over, as evidenced by his observation that “she had started to run the house already” (paragraph 8), and that she was in charge. He resents this, and doubts her intentions, asking himself whether she was a “blessing or a curse" (paragraph 16). Manuel later realizes that, while she may be helping him, she is also having an impact on his independence, which he starts to resent (paragraph 21). This resentment of the changing power dynamics in their relationship triggers Manuel’s change of heart.Explanation: