Even before the characters reach the completely new world, they know that the experience is going to be tough. The protagonist’s father refers to the experience as a lesson when he says, “‘What a good time she’ll have learning to swim!’ (250)” As she compares a new life in America to struggle such as learning how to swim, the author highlights how hard it is for illegal immigrants to adjust to their new lives. When they finally reach America, the protagonist and her father are confused and utterly struck by their new surroundings. The main character notices her father’s confusion when she says, “Papi, you turned, your eyes scanned the horizon, as if you were trying to sight a distant swimmer. (252)” The family has reached their destination, but are greeted only with uncertainty. It is tough to move from one place to another, which takes a drastic leap when switching not only homes, but countries as
Even before the characters reach the completely new world, they know that the experience is going to be tough. The protagonist’s father refers to the experience as a lesson when he says, “‘What a good time she’ll have learning to swim!’ (250)” As she compares a new life in America to struggle such as learning how to swim, the author highlights how hard it is for illegal immigrants to adjust to their new lives. When they finally reach America, the protagonist and her father are confused and utterly struck by their new surroundings. The main character notices her father’s confusion when she says, “Papi, you turned, your eyes scanned the horizon, as if you were trying to sight a distant swimmer. (252)” The family has reached their destination, but are greeted only with uncertainty. It is tough to move from one place to another, which takes a drastic leap when switching not only homes, but countries as