Essay Questions

How does Torres explore homosexuality in the novel?

The narrator tells us that he always knew he was different from his older brothers, but didn't quite understand why. Later, he discovers that he is gay, but feels like he can't talk about this with his family. In the end, he chooses to express himself through his writing, which his family later discovers. Overall, Torres has a difficult experience coming to terms with his sexuality, due to the judgment of the people around him.

How is poverty explored in this text?

The narrator’s family struggles financially, something that is introduced in the opening lines of the book: “We wanted more. We knocked the butt ends of our forks against the table, tapped our spoons against our empty bowls; we were hungry.” The family’s poverty is made apparent in the novel, as the narrator tells us that the family often ‘fought over blankets’ and struggled to make ends meet. Ultimately, this has the devastating impact of causing additional tension in the household, leading to considerable anxiety for the youngest child.

Why is the narrator's home life difficult?

There are a number of reasons why the narrator's home life is difficult. Firstly, his mother and father have a troubled and abusive relationship, with the whole family walking on eggshells around his father. This is something that impacts his older brothers, who begin to display aggressive behavior themselves. Compounding all of this is the fact that the family experienced poverty, meaning that there is additional tension in the household.