Chapter 19

House of the Scorpion - Chapter 19

Chapter 19 – Coming – Of – Age

Matt’s voice cracks [changes] when singing to El Patron. He is now fourteen years old. Celia and Tam Lin decide to celebrate this. Tam Lin, after a few drinks, decides to finally tell Matt the truth of his origins despite the cameras. He also says hundred of thousands of Eejits have died during El Patron’s lifetime.

Matt begins to realize why he was created, but still holds on to the believe that he is different and not intended to be spare parts – that’s why he was allowed to keep his intelligence, learn music, etc.

1. What happened to Matt when singing? What does this signify?
2. The statement “clones fall to pieces when they get older” is said once again. Why?
3. Why does Tam Lin want to tell Matt the truth despite the watching cameras?
4. What does Tam Lin say about how they’re treated?
5. How many eejits have died in 100 years?
6. What did Matt begin to realize about the role of clones?
7. Why is it ironic that El Patron refers to Matt as Mi Vida?
8. Why did Matt feel he was different?
9. What did Matt have to “look in the eye?”
10. How old is Matt now?