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

Character Analysis

Nayeli

Although Urrea uses a third person omniscient point of view, Nayeli is arguably the novel’s protagonist. The journey to el Norte, while it contains a specific quest for Tres Camarones, is mainly a journey for Nayeli to discover where she truly belongs. She may call home to Aunt Irma for support and direction from time to time, but she also learns to fight for herself, and in doing so, learns of her strength. She is beautiful, smart, and keeps Tres Camarones’ protection her ultimate goal; the search for her father is secondary. The other characters that come along for the journey are distracted by their own desires (namely, romance) and Nayeli needs to consistently remind them of their mission. All of these qualities make her the natural leader of the group.

Yolo (Yoloxochitl) and Vampi (Veronica)

Both girls would be considered minor characters in this novel, and although they may dress differently and appreciate different things, they echo each other in many ways, especially in contrast to Nayeli. Both show a naïve innocence along the journey; Nayeli often has to solve their problems and when they are upset, they are often described as crying together. Their presence in the novel serves to illustrate Nayeli’s strength. Both are swept up with romance when they reach the US and leave Nayeli to do the real work when it comes to accomplishing their goal.

Tacho

Tacho seems to be Nayeli’s sidekick, much more so than Yolo and Veronica. His sardonic attitude towards life in Tres Camarones and the macho “thugs” that threaten their existence makes his participation in the quest a little more personal. Not only does he want to leave Mexico because he believes he belongs in the US (as demonstrated in his personal style) he also exhibits the American bravado that they believe the Americans have (most likely from movies). He is the first to support Nayeli in all of her troubles, but is not expected to be the fierce protector, like Atomiko, because of his sexual orientation. He truly is Nayeli’s best friend.

Aunt Irma

Also known as La Osa (She-Bear) she is the exemplar of the “new feminism” that she preaches. Her feminist views tend to exclude men from her life, viewing them as “useless”, but we learn later that this view is born from heartbreak. She maintains a tough exterior and earns the respect and admiration of Tres Camarones as she is elected as the Municipal President. However, this is not without an awareness of her own weaknesses. She tells Nayeli that her niece is “stronger than she’ll ever be” and her “reach” of power only goes so far (315). She accepts her role of leader in Tres Camarones, but “can’t be a hero in the big world [because] it scares” her (315). Even though she may preach that men of Tres Camarones are useless, she crumbles to a blushing schoolgirl when she is reunited with her former lover, Chavarin.

Atomiko

Atomiko, although a caricature of a fierce warrior, proves to be a valiant ally. He displays his own machismo, tries to impress Nayeli, and in doing so, proves himself a great fighter. However, he is so exaggerated that he is often not taken seriously. He is a King, though he is King of the Dump. He seems to be the paragon of illusion, but takes his fantastical role of a “warrior” very seriously; he is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Although he is fiercely independent, and likes to live by his own rules, he is adopted into the Tres Camarones fold.