Tortilla Curtain Socratic

Hey group! Well... we have finally made it to our last socratic together and I just wanted to say that it has been a pleasure working with all of you. It is very meaningful to me that I am given the chance to lead this last socratic, and although I don't know if it could ever live up to the others, I hope everyone enjoys the discussion. So...let's begin!

• You've just finished the novel... WHAT DID YOU THINK? Were you shocked by the ending? How did Book Two and Three compare to the novel's opening?
• The novel's ending was very sudden and powerful. Do you feel like the loss of Socorro and Candido's act of courage left you unnerved, happy, or what?
• Still discussing about the novel's ending... Is there any apparent symbolism that you found noteworthy?
• Did you feel like the ending brought closure to the issue of illegal immigration presented in the text?
• After concluding the novel, What side do you think T.C. Boyle was writing from when he discussed illegal immigration?
• There were many main characters in the novel (Delaney, Kyra, Candido, America) Who is this novel really about??? Is there a hero? A villain? What is the overall conflict?
• At this point I want you to bring your "Being Saxon" projects into the discussion. How are you going to get the overall themes across to your students?
• After reaidng the novel... do you feel that it should become a required reading for students? DOo the current affairs with this issue make it a necessary read?
• Lastly, I would like to know... have any of your views been changed after completing the novel? It's okay to be an honest! what is said in the circle stays in the circle!