Boyle's "The Tortilla Curtain"

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces and discusses T.C. Boyle's "The Tortilla Curtain", a novel on the struggles of two couples as they try to achieve the American Dream; one already handed the chance on a silver platter and the other daring the impossible by crossing illegally into America. The paper shows that while Boyle shows off the endless possibilities of the cliched American Dream, his novel impresses on his readers only the futility of attempting to live it, rather than the success that countless of immigrants and Americans have found while fulfilling their dreams and destinies. The paper explores Boyle's use of imagery, including the image of the coyote which is present throughout the book.

From the Paper:

"There is a lot of emphasis on materialism in the idea of the American Dream, and the Mossbachers seem to be the epitome of both. Contrastingly, the Rincons are desperate to achieve this materialism, which forms the basis of their American Dream. Where there should be a stronger urge for freedom, the Rincons seek fortune in America.
Through materialism, Boyle shows another feature of the American Dream greed. Though it is not obvious, the people in Southern California may be driven by their desire for more as a reason to keep illegal immigrants out, knowing that they too are driven by a strong desire."

More papers on Boyle's "The Tortilla Curtain":

• Book Review # 122230 : "Review of "The Tortilla Curtain"
• Analytical Essay # 117727 : "Whiteness and Race in "The Tortilla Curtain"
• Book Review # 149182 : "Fear of the Coyote from "The Tortilla Curtain"

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