Hunger (Motif)
Throughout the novel, Julia repeatedly references the intense hunger that she frequently experiences. While the Reyes family is poor, Olga's death intensifies their economic struggles. Olga contributed to the family's income while working as a medical receptionist, and following her passing, Amá and Apá struggle to make ends meet. Julia's appetite transcends a physical sense of hunger. Rather, it represents the scarcity and need that characterize her day-to-day existence. Julia's hunger also symbolizes her greater feelings of discomfort in her life. This "hunger" motivates her to escape from cyclical poverty and create a brighter future for herself.
Reading (Motif)
From the beginning of the novel, Julia expresses her love for reading and literature. She exceeds expectations in her English class, and she demonstrates the potential to be a talented writer. Reading provides Julia with a literal and metaphorical escape from her reality. In immersing herself in stories, she is able to involve herself in worlds that are different from her own. In addition, reading and writing allow Julia to invest in her education and work to receive a full scholarship to attend university in New York. Julia's love of reading also allows her to meet Connor, and their subsequent relationship is nurturing, loving, and grounding during a turbulent time.
Julia’s Quinceañera (Symbol)
Following Olga's death, Amá and Apá decide to organize a quinceañera for Julia. Julia is shocked at their insistence on hosting the celebration, since their financial situation is tight. She is also unsure about the timing of the ceremony. During their period of mourning, it seems inappropriate for the family to host a party months after Julia already turned fifteen. Although Julia protests, Amá is particularly insistent. As the quinceañera nears, Julia realizes that it symbolizes a rite of passage for Julia to transform into the "perfect Mexican daughter." The quinceañera further exacerbates the inadequacy and unhappiness that Julia feels after losing her sister.
Abandoned Train Station (Symbol)
In Los Ojos, Julia is shocked to see that the central train station is abandoned. While it was once "bustling with people," Julia is surprised to see it "boarded up now, the red paint peeling off in giant strips." The demise of the train station symbolizes the passing of time and the evolution of childhood memories. When Julia discovers that the train company was corrupt and incapable of maintaining the station, she loses the idealistic image of her Mexican community. This disillusion is further exacerbated when she witnesses a fatal shooting in Los Ojos.
Judith Slaying Holofernes (Allegory)
One day after school, Julia goes to the Continental hotel in hopes of finding out more information about Olga's visits. After the receptionist fails to give Julia any information due to rules surrounding confidentiality, she decides to visit a museum. While there, she is mesmerized by Judith Slaying Holofernes, a 17th-century Baroque painting. The piece depicts the assassination of the Assyrian general Holofernes by Judith. The painting depicts Judith, helped by her maidservant Abra, beheading the general after he has fallen asleep in a drunken stupor. The work can be interpreted as a parallel for Julia's hope to avenge Olga's boss (and the father of Olga's unborn child). It could also symbolize Julia's strength and determination as she navigates her life following Olga's death.
