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BELL RINGER 2/13/13 DESCRIBE THE CHARACTER YOU MADE A FACEBOOK FOR IN 3-4 SENTENCES.

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The Tortilla Curtain By T.C. Boyle

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MAIN CHARACTERS Delaney and Kyra Mossbacher (son Jordan) America (currently pregnant) and Candido Rincon 1.) Give a brief description of the character you made a facebook profile for.

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1. What is a true American? 2. What responsibilities do all humans have to each other? 3. Is there a dream that all Americans share? 4. What is the difference between saying you believe something and living a belief? ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS 2.) Choose one of the essential questions above, and describe your initial thoughts and responses.

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As we go through the book, we should ask ourselves What is being seen, and through whose eyes? How does the technique of alternating between the two couples propel the story? Do you feel that you got to know each of the couples equally well? Was the author fair in his portrayal of each of the couples? PERSPECTIVE 3.) Why do you think the author chose to alternate between characters that have very little direct interaction with each other?

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THE TORTILLA CURTAIN Mimicking the Iron Curtain Suggests flimsy nature of Mexican-American border Physical, psychological, emotional wall

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ISSUES IN IMMIGRATION

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THE WALL There have been many proposals and initiatives to build a wall that stretches the length of the Mexico- US border and serves to limit illegal immigration into the US. Currently, there are sections of wall and fencing but no unified wall extending across the entire border. 4.) How effective can/will a physical wall be in solving the problem of illegal immigration?

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DRIVERS LICENSES FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS Illinois very recently became the third state (NM WA) to offer drivers licenses to illegal immigrants who meet requirements. 5.) Name one pro and one con to offering licenses to illegal immigrants in Illinois.

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WORK It is extremely difficult for immigrants in the US illegally to find legal, fair, dignified work, and as a result, it is very hard for them to become established in their new country (this is a hug problem for Candido and America). 6.) List three struggles besides finding work that illegal immigrants might have when they enter the country.

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ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN THE US Notice California, where our characters live. Higher rates of poverty among immigrants.

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CROSSING THE BORDER Watch out for families pursuing the American dream! Immigrants endure poor conditions and mistreatment in their voyage to America.

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PATH TO CITIZENSHIP Many people (immigrant and not) believe that creating a process for illegal immigrants to become legal citizens would be a huge step forward in immigration reform. This debate focuses especially on creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who came to the US as very young children. The Dream Act, a bill which would give legal status to high school graduates who were brought to the use as children and want to go to college, is one example. 7.) If you were deciding who to grant citizenship to, what would be your qualifications? Entered as a child? Lived here for X years? Currently working?

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Candido and America Rincon CANYON CAMPSITE

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CAMPSITE ON THE CREEK

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ONLY THE BASICS 8.) What dangers do America and Candido face living in the camp site?

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Delaney, Kyra, and Jordan Mossbacher ARROYO BLANCO

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LITTLE BOXES ON THE HILLSIDE

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LITTLE BOXES MADE OF TICKY-TACKY 9.) Describe the type of people you imagine living in these communities.

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HOUSE IN THE CANYON The type of houses Kyra Mossbacher is selling.

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TOPANGA CANYON (HILLS OUTSIDE OF LOS ANGELES)

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HOW CAN WE MAKE PROGRESS?

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IMMIGRANTS BEING HELD DOWN 10.) Describe how this cartoon relates to the idea of The American Dream.