In my opinion, the months leading up to America giving birth were the hardest parts of this story. There are a few episodes before and after that really got to me. I felt for her and I felt for them. The main parts that really touched me was when America was raped, when they left the canyon, when it was thanksgiving and when America gave birth to their beautiful daughter. These parts of the story are truly mesmerizing, I say this because it proves how hard people fight. These parts of the story are important to me, due to the fact that I have known people that have met a similar fate. In no way was it the same as Americas experience, but it was still hard to deal with. I also empathize with America because I myself is also scared and I have loved someone who had bad luck. Why is it, no matter how honest you are, bad luck finds you?
"Up"
I wish I had some cool super old school artist that has inspired me and reminded me about the events in The Tortilla Curtain, but the first song that came to mind came out in 2002. I have been listening to Shania Twain since I was a young child. She is my step mothers idol and she has inspired me with her words as well. The song titled "Up" reminds me a lot of Candido and Americas harsh reality. I believe it relates to this couple because nothing ever seems to go right for them.
This song came to mind because it explains how even little simple things that keep going wrong add up and build frustration. It gives off a mood of moving forward and never giving up. This book has taught me that no matter how hard life is on you never give up your compassion for others and stay true to who you are. One of the best parts to hear this particular song is in Part Three Chapter 4. This when America is expressing her desire to return home. Candido and America are in the shed and Candido is trying to explain to her that they can not stay where they are. She feels it is as bad as it can be which is also in this song. The ending of this book was absolutely devastating, but Candido and Americas strength is truly inspiring.
Shania Twain is an outstanding artist with a voice of a goddess (my opinion of course). When she was born the doctors almost pronounced her dead because she was so still. She amazed the doctors than and she amazes me now. She is strong and dedicated and that within itself reminds me of Candido. She has sold over a 100 million records and has inspired an abundance of people. She came from a rough and abusive childhood but persevered and went on to become a successful wonderful human being.
Song Lyrics/ Text Passage Comparison Chart
| Shania Twain: "Up" | America: "Up to her Neck" - The Tortilla Curtain |
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It's bout as bad as it can be Seems everybody's buggin' me Like nothing wants to go my way, yeah, it just ain't been my day Nothin's comin easily |
If the fates were going to deny him his apartment, well then he would have a house, a house with a view. He worked furiously, racing against time, glancing up every few seconds to scan the deserted development for the first cars (302). |
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Even my skin is acting weird I wish I could grow a beard Then I could cover up my spots, not play connect the dots I just wanna disappear |
She clenched her eyes shut, gritted her teeth. His hand went away and she could feel him shift his weight as he balanced himself to work down her pants. She stiffened against the pounding of her blood and the moment hung there forever, like the eternal torment of the damned (142). |
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Up, up, up can only go up from here Up, up, up where the cloud gonna clear Up, Up Up, there's no way but up from here |
He was beyond cursing, beyond grieving, numbed right through to the core of him. All that, yes. But when he saw the white face surge up out of the black swirl of the current and the white hand grasping at the tiles, he reached down and took ahold of it (355). |