The American Nightmare

"They ain't human. A human being wouldn't live like they do. A human being couldn't stand it to be so dirty and miserable." A quote from John Steinbeck's book The Grapes of Wrath, perfectly words the reaction to the life that Candido and America Rincon live. Illegal immigrants, Candido and America live a life of poverty and destitute in America . Their lack of luxuries and even bare necessities, bring to light their struggle to reach the American Dream. Living in a canyon not to far from the rich suburbs, the couple is forced to live like animals in order to survive, to find work, and to make a better life for their unborn child. Writer Delaney and his realtor wife Kyra Mossenbacher, and their son Jordan, live in Arroyo Blanco Estates, a housing development only a walk away from Candido and America's camp, in which they live comfortable lives and have an abundance of what Candido and his wife lack. Living in a gated community with extravagant vehicles and fabulous lives, their living conditions are constantly compared to the living conditions of Candido and America . . These two parallel lives meet in a car accident situation where Delaney accidentally hits Candido and apologetically hands him 20 dollars to help his level of guilt. In a chain of shattering and unlucky events, Candido and Delaney meet once again in a tragic incident that proves that no matter how hard you work in this life success is not always attainable through hard work and misery. Wealth and dreams do not become real life just because one summons to work from dusk until dawn or because one is willing to break his/her back doing filthy work, this does not equal success, nor riches, and certainly not happiness. T.C Boyle makes it unclear as to what his book The Tortilla Curtain, stands on, on illegal immigration. It is not obvious what opinion it accords with. T.C. Boyle lets the reader decide what argument wins in his tragic comedy. This book conveys ideas and stories of two families and one story, but the book is only a small description of a bigger global issue. To clearly review this book a description of the premise of the book, the Sociological understanding, and the description of the contributions the book makes to the understanding of society, is needed. Symbolism and motifs will be are also very helpful in understanding the main issue.

The book revolves around a hypocritical stance on immigration. As the book switches from Delaney's point of view to Candidos perspective, it is not clear cut as to what the author wants to project as the message of the book. T.C Boyle lets the audience decide what side to choose or who to sympathize with. In a metaphoric attempt to compare the coyotes who trespass the estate, to the illegal immigrants, Boyle shows how Delaney, the ideal liberalists, turn racist and against his own ideology. In Delaney's nature column he defends the coyote by saying ""The coyote is not to blame--he is only trying to survive, to make a living, to take advantage of the opportunities available to him." In the same column Delaney concludes his article by saying "The coyotes keep coming, breeding up to fill in the gaps, moving in where the living is easy. They are cunning, versatile, hungry and unstoppable." This example of hypocrisy towards the coyotes is the same hypocrisy Delaney has for the Mexicans. A bleeding heart liberal such as Delaney whose work revolves around nature and the environment, turns into a racist. In a discussion with Jack, Delaney defends his view of the Mexicans by stating "Do you realize what you're saying? Immigrants are the lifeblood of this country--and neither of us would be standing here today if it wasn't." Later in the book, Delaney's rage turns racist and any Mexican he sees infuriates him. In his mind he thinks they're everywhere. There is no denying anymore that Delaney hatred views begin to spew out when he attempts to kill Candido for trespassing in his

yard. When before he sated that coyotes like humans, only need to survive. But there was no exception for Candido who was only trying to collect wood to make a shelter for his wife and newborn daughter. Another instance where Delaney's hatred and racism is obvious is when a Mexican is in his front yard passing flyers but Delaney insists he is a trespasser and begins to get angry. When the Mexican refuses to leave Delaney resorts to force, he stops when the Mexican shows him the flyers and proves that he is only working. T.C. Boyle writes the book in a neutral fashion. Rather than depicting only one side or one view, Boyle presents both the Mexican view and the American side. The Mexican who only wants the basic necessities of life and the American family who want to protect their homes and feel safe in their own community. They fear that Mexicans will invade their land and their way of living. Just like the coyotes who are seen as savages who will do anything they please, the Mexicans are viewed the same. But like the coyotes who attack, the Mexicans are forced to be in that position because of humans. The Coyotes land was invaded by humans who built houses and ruined a natural habitat. The Mexicans life and actions is also the fault of humans, the rich, the Haute Bourgeoisie. They are exploited in their own country and still the object of exploitation in the U.S. where they have hopes and dreams of becoming prosperous but are soon let down and awoken of the harsh realities. The rich decide what life and what conditions the poor live in. Just like in Mexico , they are toiled to work unbearably for money that doesn't even get them by. The audience ultimately chooses the message. The book is complex as is the issue on immigration. Boyle does not offer a solution but rather a view of a small problem and how that fits into a much bigger issue.

The book not only confronts the issue of illegal immigration but the social consciousness of crime and unemployment. While Delaney and his family have a marvelous life, Candido and America live through extreme poverty. In candidos attempt to find work, one can see that there are thousands just like Candido, who are willing to kill for a job. This knowledge and portrayal of extreme poverty is hidden form the rich. When Kyra decides to sell a house near the Labor Exchange she feels that the illegal's will ruin her changes of selling the home and decides to get rid of every Mexican that stands in that corner. The INS passes by to inspect and make sure that no one stands there for work. In the slums of a barrio where there are hundreds of workers nobody concerns themselves because it is not a rich neighborhood where they will be seen. These living conditions are shuffled away into ghettos so the rich won't have to bare witness to this lifestyle. A lifestyle that America never