Tortilla+Curtain+Jungian+Criticism

__Opening activity__: Setting is an important aspect of //The Tortilla Curtain//; this is not a story that could take place just anywhere. One can form an image of the setting by some clues of the surroundings and other details of it, like colors, etc.. Everyone will come up with a place, as well as some describing characteristics of the area around it, and others will guess the location. For instance: ocean, many races, sun, mountains, chaos, crowded (the answer is LA/California).

__Summary__: Unfortunately, I could find no literary criticism on the novel to interpret from Jung's views. Therefore, I've decided to improvise and create a collection of my personal ideas and opinions of Jung's archetypes that relate to //The Tortilla Cu//rtain.

http://www.literatureclassics.com/ancientpaths/litcrit.html#myth

Archetypal women: I see Kyra most as the "Terrible Mother." She has no real connection to her son's life, and seems to have limited interest in him. I feel as though she finds him an obligation, though she loves him nonetheless. I think America will be the "Good Mother," although it's difficult to predict that. So far, she seems like the most loyal, sincere, and truly good character. For this reason, I would also consider her the "Soul Mate," though archetypally, that relates to the Virgin Mary.

Water: The most significant area of water in the novel is the pool on the way to Candidos and America's camp. Because it is the area in which they had good luck, I think this represents creation, redemption, and growth. Finding that camp was fortunate, and it was a turning point in their lives for the better. It helped create their good luck in the future, redeemed them of their not-so-good pasts, and is a growth in their relationship and in both as individuals. It is also related to birth, because obviously, America is pregnant.

Desert: Because this is a discussion question, I will save my real opinions for tomorrow, but I think the significance of the desert strongly relates to individual thoughts and opinions on their different situations. The novel as a whole isn't terribly optimistic or uplifting, nor are the symbolic meanings of the desert.

Red and Black: We have seen these colors in the different graffiti. Their representation is fairly obvious: sacrifice, disorder, chaos, evil, etc. The graffiti has been racist, demeaning, and perhaps malicious.

__Discussion questions__: 1. Archetypally, deserts represent spiritual emptiness, death, and hopelessness. Though it is not a true desert, L.A. is close enough, thus, what characters can relate to the desert and how so? 2. Following the setting theme, we've seen water a few times: the pool Candidos and America must cross to their camp, and the ocean they are bordered with. According to Jung water signifies creation, birth-death-resurrection, purification, redemption, fertility, and growth. Do any of these play a role in the novel? 3. Explore the reoccurring presence of the coyote. What does it mean within the novel and its purpose? 4. Both relationships within the novel seem to be falling apart through difference of opinions, lack of trust, and lack of partership. Make predictions according to what will happen in each marital relationship. 5. What is Kyra's position on racism/immigration? Is her only motive behind supporting the wall to prevent coyotes from her neighborhood, as she claims? 6. What is the purpose of the reoccurring Mexican who wears a backwards hat and chews gum? Will he play a key role in the upcoming plot? Is he merely a connector character?

Abby M.