Genre
Autobiography
Setting and Context
The novel is set in America during Vargas' childhood, early life and adulthood.
Narrator and Point of View
The narrator is Vargas.
Tone and Mood
The tone is moving and emotional.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Vargas himself is the protagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the text is Vargas' difficulty coming to terms with his identity, as a result of his illegal immigrant status.
Climax
The climax of the text is arguably when Vargas is arrested.
Foreshadowing
N/A
Understatement
According to Vargas, the individuality of people is often understated when discussing immigration.
Allusions
Vargas alludes to cultural figure Ellen Degeneres.
Imagery
Vargas uses imagery to describe the language surrounding immigration. He describes it as being like a "fortress," as it is used as a barrier to information.
Paradox
Vargas comments on the paradox that white people are called "ex-pats" while people of color are called "immigrants."
Parallelism
Vargas compares his own experiences to that of other immigrants. He ultimately concludes that these experiences should not be generalized as each person is different.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Vargas argues that the word "immigrant" is used as a stand-in for some stereotypical and offensive assumptions.
Personification
America is personified and is described as having a "relationship" with Vargas.
