Janet Garcia

Mr.Cook
ELA 3/4
26 January 2014

The characters attitudes drive the conflicts because they create boundaries.
During the trial, Henry was hard headed toward Alices help. He did not want her
to help them because she did not understand. He says, You think I havent seen
through your bullshit? always so concerned. Come on boys. Speak out, boys. Stand up
for your people. Well, you leave my people out of this!(71). He is causing conflict here
because he is rejecting Alices determination on helping them get through this case.
When Alice tries convincing him to not give up because there are many people that are
trying to help him he says, Thats your problem. I never asked for their support. Just
count me out(70). His attitude is creating a boundary towards the support he is
receiving on the trial.
In Dellas flashback, she explains what happened at the Sleepy Lagoon, An old
man ran out of the house with a kitchen knife and Henry had to hit him. Then a girl
grabbed me by the hair and in a second everyone was fighting!(57).

All of the

characters attitudes create conflict because they can not control their tough pachuco
sides. They create a boundary towards resolving things peacefully and using violence. It
all results to violence and trouble.
In the fight scene, Henrys overprotective attitude created conflict because he is
using violence once again to defend his brother from the Downey Gang. Just me and
you, cabron. Thats my carnalillo you started pushing around see? And nobody Chinga
con mi familia without answering to me, ese! Hank Reyna! (He pulls out another

switchblade)(46). He is creating a bigger problem because he is threatening to hurt the

guy with a switchblade. The attitude is creating a boundary between helping family and
knowing the limits to stay on track.
The character whose attitude creates a lot of conflict is Pachucos. He tells
Henry, Youre hoping for something that isnt going to happen, ese. These paddies are
leading you by the nose. Do you really believe you stand a chance? (51). His
pessimistic attitude drives a boundary on the character Henry, by messing with his mind
and driving him towards bad influences instead of being optimistic.