House of the Scorpion - Chapter 27
Chapter 27 – A Five Legged Horse
In this chapter, we learn more of the plight of orphans in the new Aztlan, who are often orphans as a result of losing their parents to Dreamland (opium). The children are made to utter phrases that promote a rejection of individuality and promote working for the good of the state. Matt debates the keeper Raul over the story of the "Five Legged Horse," hampered by the fifth leg of individuality, advocating putting a chip in the brain of workers (eejits) is more efficient, to the disgust of Raul. For standing up to the keepers, Matt is making friends for the first time.
- Who were the keepers in charge of?
- Who were the Lost Boys and Lost Girls?
- What was Opium called at the work camps? What was known about it?
- What did the boys have to recite before eating?
- What had happened to most of the boys’ parents?
- What did Matt not want the other boys to see?
- Is individualism promoted or discouraged in Aztlan? Why?
- What was Matt suggesting about Raul’s story (p. 274)? What was Raul’s reaction? Boy’s reaction?
- What was Matt’s reaction to having friends?
1. The orphans who's parents crossed over to America.
ReplyDelete2. The orphans who's parents crossed over to America.
3. The Dreamland. If you get caught there, you become a zombie.
4. The Five Principals of Good Citizenship and the Four Attitudes leading to Right-Mindfulness
5. They were captured in Opium.
6. His clone tatoo
7. Discouraged. It obstructs work.
8. To chip the horse. That he was an obstruction. That he insulted Raul deeply and should be a hero.
9. He felt accepted.
Chapter 27
ReplyDelete1. Who were the keepers in charge of?
The Keepers are in charge of any stray orphans in Aztlan, who they force into labor camps.
2. Who were the Lost Boys and Lost Girls?
The Lost Boys and Girls are the children under the care of the keepers.
3. What was Opium called at the work camps? What was known about it?
Opium s called Dreamland in the camps, and all that is known about it is the existence of eejits, and the Farm Patrol.
4. What did the boys have to recite before eating?
The boys at the factory must recite a list of virtues instilled in them by the Keepers. The list of virtues sounds a lot like communism.
5. What had happened to most of the boys’ parents?
Most of the boys’ parents were turned into eejits by the Farm Patrol, as they tried to cross the border.
6. What did Matt not want the other boys to see?
Matt wished the other boys understood that the Keepers were brainwashing the children with the communist dogma while not themselves adhering to their teachings.
7. Is individualism promoted or discouraged in Aztlan? Why?
In Aztlan, as in the US, conformity is the norm, but individuality is highly prized.
8. What was Matt suggesting about Raul’s story (p. 274)?
Matt suggested that the Keppers were really turning the boys into mindless workers, with no more free will than the eejits.
9. What was Raul’s reaction? Boy’s reaction?
Raul responded by beating the living daylights out of Ton-Ton and Matt.
10. What was Matt’s reaction to having friends?
Matt appreciated his friends, but understood the responsibility to them that comes with.