Into the Beautiful North

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Chapters 19-21

Chapters 22-24

Chapters 25-27

Chapters 28-30

Chapters 31-33

Chapters 34-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Chapters 13-15Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 13 Summary

The chapter begins with the squalid description of the couple's home. There is very little sunlight that falls, and the air is black with smoke and acrid smells. It is described as a “long, sad place” but is, surprisingly, heavily populated (115). Despite the disgusting conditions, Don Porfirio is positive that "life is good!" (115). The next day, Nayeli recognizes the unexpected beauty of the dump as she notices the numerous lines of colourful roses that Don Porfirio had planted around their home. A filthy, dog with mange nuzzles his head against her leg to show warmth and friendship. The town within the dump has its own graveyard. A young man at the top of a garbage pile tries to speak with her and she turns her back on him.

Chapter 14 Summary

We meet the warrior Atomiko, King of the (garbage) Hill. He is threatening and powerful with his staff that he uses to pick through the garbage. He tries to impress Nayeli.

Apparently, there is a hierarchy at the dump. Those at the "top" of the heap get a view of America. Three “ice zombies” - trash guys who are addicted to crystal meth, confront Nayeli. They are planning to rape her or steal her clothing for money for drugs. Atomiko arrives and defends her by severely beating the three assailants. He comes back to the Don Porfirio’s "camp" and meets the others. Nayeli makes a phone call home but there is no answer. She cries and Atomiko comforts her.

Chapter 15 Summary

Nayeli and the others are explaining their ploy to Atomiko, and he urges them to choose him as one of the seven warriors to take back to Sinaloa. Even though Yolo and Vampi suggest to roundup men from the dump, Atomiko understands that their quest must include their going to el Norte. The girls are impressed with Atomiko’s inspiring words and he tells the crew that he can get them across and that they need him for protection on this journey. Atomiko whistles and summons a car and driver. It will cost the Tres Camarones crew one hundred and fifty dollars each to get across the border.

Wino (their tour guide and Coyote) shows them several places and is an excellent tour guide. On arriving at Colonial Libertad, they notice how busy of a border crossing it is. The author moves into a stream-of-consciousness as the coyote gives clear, hard directions about what to do. He does not break the news to them gently of the various awful things that can happen if they get caught, lost or left behind. When the tear gas breaks out to remove people from the fence, Atomiko yells, "Welcome to Palestine!" (141).

The break through the fence is successful and a pregnant woman somehow makes it out with them. Her name is Candelaria. While they are hiding under the bridge, a border guard stops at the bridge and speaks into his radio. He also urinates right above them. He drives away and the group bursts out laughing.

Chapters 13-15 Analysis

This section of the story carries a fable-like tone to it. Nayeli is overcome with a comforting sadness as she wanders the dump. It is comforting because of the life amidst the hopeless squalor, and it is not her home. It is sad because the conditions are so despicable and people have chosen to live here. Atomiko is a mysterious, overdramatic stranger who adopts a warrior caricature. His antics are exaggerated and laughable, especially when contrasted with the “warriors” of Nayeli’s team. Yet, when put to the test, he proves himself a fierce ally.

The surreal atmosphere extends to their experience with Wino and the border crossing. While heading towards the border at the ironically named Colonia Libertad, the group makes several stops and the Coyote treats it as if they are on vacation and the Tres Camaronians are typical tourists. When Atomiko announces “Welcome to Palestine” it further adds to the “other worldly” surroundings.

The break through the fence along with a pregnant woman almost sets this scene up as a farce. Clearly, she is not very inconspicuous but is still successful at getting across. The farce leads up to the border guard urinating over the bridge, which they happen to be hiding under while he radios the “all clear”. So many bizarre unexpected details may be Urrea’s opinion of the ridiculousness of the Mexican-American border, or the hyper-unrealistic presentation of the world that Hollywood movies presents, and our Tres Camarones’ warriors’ quest is so fantastical, that it seems like it is a movie.