The Tortilla Curtain Study Guide

The Tortilla Curtain Summary

Part I of the novel opens with Delaney Mossbacher, a middle-class, white American and nature enthusiast, hitting thirty-three year old Cándido Rincón, an illegal Mexican immigrant, with his car as the latter was crossing the road in Topanga Canyon, near Los Angelels, California. Though the Mexican is badly injured, he simply accepts twenty dollars from Delaney and the two part ways. Delaney, extremely shaken up by the incident but confident that the whole affair is over, gets his car fixed and goes back to his highly scheduled, routine life in his neighborhood of Arroyo Blanco. Every morning he makes breakfast for his wife, Kyra, and his stepson, Jordan, Kyra's son from her first marriage, and after sending them safely on their ways, he…

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Recent Questions for The Tortilla Curtain

Posted By coral n #321041 at May 07, 2013 7:04 PM

what is ironic about Kyra and Delaney's concern for a dog locked in a car?

From the book Tortilla Curtain.

The Tortilla Curtain | Answers: 1

Posted By jc g #299505 at Feb 02, 2013 5:07 AM

Candido and America: Their views of the United States, their aspirations in the U.S. - Compare candido's past and present situation. What is Candido and America's life like?

pp. 32-36; 127-132, 178-181; 199-203; 210-212, 233-241; 251; 303-307; 326-328

The Tortilla Curtain | Answers: 0

Posted By sisi c #286297 at Nov 27, 2012 2:23 PM

In Part II Chapter 8, the writer also includes America and Candido. What does the turkey symbolize for the Rincon’s? What happens at the end of this chapter? Why does the chapter end in this manner?

. It is important that you respond to the questions by providing a textual reference (direct quote). Do not provide a plot summary. Interpretation and analysis is required.

The Tortilla Curtain | Answers: 1