Return to Sender Literary Elements

Contemporary Fiction, Middle-Grade Literature, Social Issues

The novel is set in rural Vermont on a dairy farm in the modern day. The story unfolds against the backdrop of immigration issues in the United States, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by undocumented Mexican workers and the families who depend on their labor.

The story alternates between two perspectives: Tyler, a young boy whose family farm is struggling to survive, and Mari, the daughter of an undocumented Mexican family working on the farm. Tyler’s sections are narrated in third person, while Mari’s perspective is revealed through her letters and diary entries, giving an intimate insight into her thoughts and emotions.

The tone is empathetic and contemplative, balancing the innocence of childhood with the serious social and political realities of immigration. The mood shifts between hopeful and somber, reflecting the characters’ struggles, fears, and moments of connection.

The protagonists are Tyler and Mari, who form a deep friendship despite their different backgrounds. The antagonists are the societal and legal challenges posed by immigration policies, as well as the prejudice and fear that threaten the safety and security of Mari’s family.

The major conflict revolves around the tension between the laws that make Mari’s family’s presence in the U.S. illegal and the ethical dilemma faced by Tyler’s family, who depend on their labor to save their farm. Both families must navigate these challenges while confronting their own beliefs and fears.

The climax occurs when Mari’s mother is arrested during an immigration raid and her family faces the possibility of separation. This event forces Tyler and his family to take a stand and decide how far they are willing to go to help their friends.

Hints about the precariousness of Mari’s family’s situation are scattered throughout the novel, such as references to her parents’ fear of being caught and her mother’s risky journey to the U.S. These moments foreshadow the eventual immigration raid.

Mari often downplays her fears and worries in her letters to her mother and diary entries, trying to remain strong for her younger sisters and her father. This understatement highlights the emotional burden she carries.

The novel includes allusions to Mexican folklore, traditions, and the broader history of immigration in America, grounding the story in cultural and historical contexts. It also references Vermont’s rural farming traditions, emphasizing the connection between the two families despite their differences.

Alvarez uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty and hardships of farm life, the warmth of Mari’s family traditions, and the anxiety surrounding their legal status. The farm itself becomes a symbol of both hope and struggle.

The paradox lies in the fact that Tyler’s family must rely on undocumented workers to keep their farm afloat, yet those same workers are at constant risk of deportation. This situation highlights the complexities and contradictions of immigration laws.

The struggles of Tyler’s and Mari’s families are paralleled throughout the novel. Tyler’s family is fighting to keep their farm, while Mari’s family is fighting to stay in the country. Both families face uncertainty and depend on each other for survival.

The farm acts as a metonym for the interconnectedness of the two families and their shared reliance on each other. Similarly, Mari’s letters and diary entries represent the broader struggles of immigrant children who live in fear yet strive for hope and connection.

The land and farm are personified as entities that demand care and labor, symbolizing the sacrifices and resilience of both families as they work tirelessly to sustain their livelihoods.