This was a great way to end the play. It didn't end tragic, something I did not want to read, but it didn't end "fairy tale happy" either, something I was tired of reading. The play ended just right because it left the reader an end that they could make up for themselves. It allowed me to form my own conclusion. :)
I thought the beginning of the scene was funny. The conversations they were having reminded me about the conversations my family has when they haven't seen each other for awhile, so the fact I related to them made the conversation more amusing. In response to George's question, menudo is not chicken soup! (Might I add that I hate menudo.)
Once the cast started arguing, I got kind of irritated. So many angry discussions going on was too much for my head. I had to take a pause in order to keep going with the play. I actually believed I was in the argument myself, which is probably one of the techniques Valdez uses on the reader.
At the end, on page 94, Valdez includes "The realization that if HE strikes back or even if HE walks out the door, the family bond is irreparably broken." These are the thoughts that run through HENRY's mind as ENRIQUE has him pinned down. If he hits his father and even defies his authority, he will break the bond that the Reyna family has had for so long and through so much. Therefore, he has to double think his actions. It's essential for us to acknowledge the bond this family has maintained for so long. They've been through so many struggles, yet they've kept their respect for each other. I think family bond is so beautiful and I think Valdez does well in including a supportive family in the play.
Overall I think Luis Valdez did a great job in wrapping up the play because looking beyond the argument, I loved the end of the play. There is no wonder why this play is a classic!
QUESTION: Luis Valdez let's the conclusion of the play linger on and leaves the reader to come up with their own ending. My ending was that HENRY chose neither DELLA nor ALICE and went on to make a positive life on his own. What was your ending? :)
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well i concluded that Henry naver gave up his fight as being EL pachuco but he didn't go back to jail. just like you i thought that he should not have ended with either of the girls. HE soon overcame everyone and stayed with close to his family. like Henry said he learned a new way to fight back while he was in jail
ReplyDeletei agree with you because he seemed like he was already getting tired of his lifestyle and Della was basically part of it. And well with Alice she had learned about him and his life style too. So i just think that he would have just gotten rid of the two and find another girl that has had no type of connection with his past life.
ReplyDeleteGreat question. All of your posts have been a pleasure to read; thank you.
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