Literature Circle BLOG 1

1. "He sat there, thinking, figuring, looking up at the stars and heavens and then down into the darkness of the valley." (pg.96) Can't you completely imagine that man laying down completely confused on what decision to make? Don Pio was looking for a sign of God to reassure him, he was making the best decision to stay in that "good for nothing" land. As the suns rays come streaming through the sky Don Pio felt Gods presence within himself. He felt the peace of God with a beautiful brand new day. His eyes began to fill with tears because he knew this decision would support his family and generations to come. (pg. 96-97) I chose this scene because I thought it was very spiritual. I could immediately imagine the sun coming up, and it being such a magnificent experience for Don Pio. He was confused and he needed guidance. I also made the personal connection that I think everything happens for a reason, and that everything has a purpose. For Don Pio to see a normal morning and immediately see it as a sign from God because its so lovely is something I would of thought of also. The word I would choose for this scene would be Spiritual, because he's the only person that felt so strong and connected to that experience.
2. "Quick, we've got to get the cart back on the road and pick all the corn we can and get out before Cara de Nopal comes back out with his rifle!" (pg.102) Juan says this in a jokingly manner but he himself knows there's nothing funny about this. While Luisa and Inocenta are trying to pick corn on the prohibited field, they all know the risk they are running. They heard a story about a random little boy that was picking corn and ended up being hung by Cara de Nopal in the gates of the hacienda. His body was still hung as Juan's family were running by, to get away from Cara de Nopal. (p.g 102-103) In contrast with the first example of feeling spiritual; this scene has more to do with reality of the "real world" we live in, rather than based on spiritual connection or faith. I thought this scene was important to talk about because young kids today that grow up in a poor home steal or do stuff that they know will get them killed in order to provide for their families. Its so hard to believe that in our society today, something as simple as trying to feed your family can definitely cost you your life. I would summarize this scene as Truth, because if someone breaks the rules of people you can' play with, that's the end.