Scene 9 - Return To The Barrio

-This scene was really interesting to me because of all the different people Henry's talking to, all of his conversations, and the problems facing him and the decisions he had to make. I didn't like how Pachuco came back though - if i was Henry, I would have rubbed the win in his face. But even afterward Pachuco was negative. But i do have to admit that he is realistic at times and i guess he wants Henry to see that there isn't always a happy ending, and when there is, it can only lasts so long before you have to face reality. It was kind of sad for the fighting later and to hear about what happened to Rudy. I was shocked/ saddened when the Press read how Henry led his life after, but i liked how the others shed a more positive light with the other possibilities of his life.

1) "Do you realize this is the greatest victory the Mexican-American community has ever seen in the history of this whole blasted country?...I only hope you boys realize how important you are now." ; p.87

2) George says this to Henry and the other members of the 38th street gang after their victory.

3) This is important because it gave them and other Mexican-Americans, and possibly other races and cutures a sense of hope that justice can be achieved.

-Why did Valdez show the possibilities of Henry's life? What the press right? Which was true, what life did he choose?

Scene 8 - The Winning Of The War

-This scene was not very interesting to me because it was really short and it really just consisted of newspaper headlines about the war. To me it was kind of irrelevant - even though it does sort of connect because all these events were in the same time period, there really wasn't much talking about the Pachucos.

1) "On the homefront, Americans go on with their daily lives with growing confidence and relief, as the war pushes on toward inevitable triumph." ; p.86-87

2) This is said by the Press to the reader.

3)I think this is important because even though the press was referring to other Americans and not specifically Mexican-Americans, it still correlates to the families of the convicted Pachucos because they too have "growing confidence and relief as the war", or the appeal in this case
"pushes towards inevitable triumph" because they have faith the the appeal will come out in their favor.

- Was the war won? Did freedom for America also mean freedom and justice for the Pachucos?

Scene 7 - Alice

-I really liked this scene because it was filled with a lot of drama - at first it was kind of "blah" then it was intense and emotional. But i was a little confused, because i didn't see the kiss coming. i didn't notice anything leading up to that earlier in the play.

1) "You were wrong, ese...There's something to hope for. I know now we're going to win the appeal. Do you hear me, ese? Ese! Are you even there anymore?" ; p.85

2) Henry says this to Pachuco after Alice's reassurance.

3) This is important because Pachuco doesn't answer him and he's not there. I think this shows that Henry was finally able to break free from Pachuco and his negativity.

- Why does Henry continue to fight with Alice every time she encourages him not to lose hope? Was it the kiss that made him realize that she wasn't lying and that she actually cared for him?

Scene 6 - Zoot Suit Riots

-I didn't like this scene either not only because of the content (what happens), but because i was kind of confused with the Press in the dialogue.

1)"The Press distorted the very meaning of the word 'zoot suit.' All it is for you guys is another way to say Mexican." ;p.80

2)Pachuco says this to the press to show how the newspaper tends to stereotype.

3) This is important because i think the generalization contributes to the themes of culture and civil rights.

-Why is the zoot suit more associated with the Mexicans rather than the Blacks or Filipinos, who also wear them?

Scene 5 - Solitary

-I didn’t like this scene mainly because of Pachuco’s negativity towards Henry. Every time Henry expresses his hope for justice, Puchuco brings him down.

1) “Learn to protect your loves by binding them in hate, ese! Stop hanging on false hopes.”; p 78

2) Pachuco says this to Henry in order to get him to see that justice for him is not realistic

3) This is important because it angers Henry and forces him to blow up at Pachuco because I think that it maybe got to him and made him think that his hopes really are unrealistic and that he might not get justice and be set free

-If Pachuco is supposed to make Henry stronger, masculine, and give him Pride, why does he do the opposite?