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   Lupita Manaña ~ Discussion Questions for Chapter 4

Part I: Take notes and prepare to discuss the following questions in class.

1. As they continue walking, the setting (environment) takes on a life of its own, causing potential danger and discomfort for Salvador and Lupita. List the environmental dangers that put them at risk and the discomfort they experience along the way.



2. A change of Scene: As Lupita and Salvador reach Tijuana, the setting changes dramatically. Briefly list three ways in which Tijuana is strikingly different from their environment in Ensenada. (p. 51)
   a.
   b.
   c.

3. While trying to sleep in the park, Lupita overhears two viejos talking. What does she learn from their conversation about braceros 40 years before?

4. What does Lupita realize after listening to their conversation? [Hint: How was their experience going to be different from that of the braceros?]

5. Ay de mí is Lupita's often used expression of , which means a feeling of worry and disappointment.

6. Who is Señor Diaz? Why does he take them to his cousin Tomás? [Hint: What information do both men seek from Lupita and Salvador?]

7. What information did Lupita give the two men and how did the conversation change as a result? What conclusion can you draw about these two men?

8. What do Lupita and Salvador learn about Tomás's plans and what do they plan to do as a result?

9. Write your prediction: Do you think Salvador and Lupita will have good luck or bad luck in following Tomás? Explain the reason(s) for your prediction.

 Part II: Understanding character: What can you infer (conclude) about a character from the following quotations?

1. "Perhaps we will hear coyotes, but pay no attention. They won't come in here. If one does, I will shout at him."
         Salvador isn't afraid.
         Salvador pretends to be brave.

2. Sí, I was not ashamed of you. Put your head on my shoulder if you want to, but do not weep."
        Salvador was not comfortable showing his emotions.
        Salvador was cold toward his sister

3. When they left, [the man at the gas station] gave them a crooked grin and shook his head, but said nothing.
        He knew they were going to try to cross the border.
        He was going to try to rob them.

4. Her cheeks flaming, Lupita looked down at the sidewalk.
         Lupita was too hot.
        Lupita felt embarrassed when she saw the picture Salvador was staring at.

5. Salvador stopped in his tracks ...[and] stood rooted in front of a shopwindow.
        He was very interested in what he saw.
        He couldn't move because of the crowds.

6. "Bueno. That will make it easier for you. Come inside and talk."
        Señor Diaz thinks he can arrange to smuggle them across the border.
        Señor Diaz is a good man who wants to help Salvador and Lupita.

7. Tomás held all the cards in one pudgy hand while he stared at Lupita out of eyes that were no longer merry.
        Tomás was a big gambler and lost money.
        Tomás realized there was no one on the other side to pay him for smuggling them across the border.

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