Congratulations! You have finished the novel! I hope you enjoyed it :)
For the first of your final three blogs I would like you to revisit the idea of passage analysis. This time, however, pick one passage in the second half of the novel that you think has the most significance overall. Try to find a quote the encapsulates the novel perfectly. Type out the passage and then analyze its significance, supporting why you think it is the most important one.
Again, just remember: You know you LOVE passage analysis!!!
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"Your wife, she never loved you," Bodega blurted as Vera burried her face in Bodega's shoulder. "She always loved me." His chest swelled up. Vidal stayed silent for a few seconds. Bodega stared at him like a cobra waiting to bite. Vidal looked at Bodega for a moment before his eyes returned to his wife (Quinonez 188).
This selection is very significant due to the fact that it sums up the conflict that essentially created the story. If Bodega had married Vera to begin with the story would not exist, as he would not have had to build up an empire. "Your wife, she never loved you" is very significant due to the fact that she married because her mother wanted her to have a rich husband and in fact money does not make a happy marriage. This is best shown with the odd love triangle that left her Florida husband dead, Bodega dead and admitting to her husbands murder and Nazzario ending up with her. "Vidal staying silent" was significant, as he knew that his money was the reason she had been with him and he admitted that she was with many men. She was essentially eye candy for him. This passage shows the complications of love and how far it can drive a group of lovers.
Mike Aisenberg
“The slums were full of his followers. His words were all over the neighborhood, murals screaming at you in the street, that He was your Lord and Savior. His spirit was all over El Barrio, but I didn’t see Him living among us. You wouldn’t catch Christ, in the flesh, living in the projects.” (139)
Julio thinks this while listening to Roberto Vega’s passionate speech. Julio is appalled by Christ’s omnipresence throughout the slums, but if Christ were still be alive, he would be nowhere to be found. This is a metaphor between Christ and Bodega. Bodega’s newly furnished buildings and educated youth are evident around Spanish Harlem but Willie Bodega has a mythic aura to him. Nobody is quite sure who this Willie Bodega is, but they know that they should honor and be loyal to him because he is the one that is providing them homes with low rent.
I think this is the most important passage of the story because Bodega is seen as a God-like figure, and that is why his dream is able to live on. Bodega said “but if you see God he won’t seem that powerful anymore” (111). Bodega is able to inspire the people of Spanish Harlem because he is seen as larger than life. Very few people of Spanish Harlem would be able to recognize Bodega on the street if they saw him, however their lives have been largely impacted by him. This passage sums up Bodega’s relationship with the people. Bodega is the most influential character in the story, and it is his dream to which the story is based upon.
-Matt F
"[Bodega] had represented the limitless possibilities in us all by living his life, striving for those dreams that seemed to elude the neighborhood year after year" (213).
This passage represents Bodega's role throughout the novel. Though his dreams did not come true, he created a path for the future. It shows that, though Bodega died trying to fulfill his vision, he showed everyone what was entirely possible to reach if they really tried for it. Bodega was a symbol of hope throughout the novel, especially for Chino. Bodega did not reach his dream, but he did show people what they should strive for. Though many people in el barrio had hopes for the future, Bodega was one of the few to actually act on it and come close to achieving something. It is an important quote because it describes the effect Bodega had on the neighborhood in the end, and the outcome of his efforts: hope. Bodega was an inspiration to the entire neighborhood throughout the novel, and the power behind many things that happened.
-Alex Cammarata
"She loves this Izzy guy. Alwats has. You should have seen them, they were like kids". Blanca stared at the ring. She liked it, but her conscience was a strong judge. Iwanted her to have it, so i lobbied as hard as i could." (129)
This passage is indicative of the decision that Chino faces throughout the story. THe moral question that he mus awnser dealing with the shady Bodega and Sapo. Chiino is always involuntairily getting in trouble just because of the people he associates with. Blanca is that yin to Chino's yang. She keeps him from ending trouble. This is a theme throughout the novel and is evident right here
-Ross A
"The way a picture that's been hanging on a wall for years leaves a shadow of light behind, Bodega had kicked the door down and left a green light of hope for everyone. He had represented the limitless possibilities in us all by living his life, striving for those dreams that seemed to elude the neighborhood year after year," (213).
This passage reflects exactly how Bodega impacted the entire Latin community of NYC. Even though he never really got to make major adjustments and never fully developed a more educated and developed East Harlem, he opened the door for others to reach out for endless opportunities and to succeed in fulfilling his dreams. He provided encouragement for many and proved that anything was possible. Again, the parallel of the green light of hope is mentioned here as well. This green light is given off by Bodega to the entire community of East Harlem to make an effort in making their dreams possible. He showed them this green light and gave many residents new opportunities. Even though he died, he opened this door and is a perfect example for all of East Harlem that if you follow your dreams and put in some effort, you can accomplish anything.
-Tony Lorenzi
“Manhattan at night seen from its surrounding bridges is Oz, it’s Camelot or Eldorado, full of color and magic. What those skyscrapers and lights don’t let on is that hidden away lies Spanish Harlem, a slum that has been handed down from immigrant to immigrant, like used clothing worn and reworn, stitched and restiched by different ethnic groups who continue to pass it on. A paradox of crime and kindness” (161).
This passage reminds me of the green light in the Great Gatsby and how Bodega’s dreams of a new and improved Spanish Harlem were coming true. Gatsby’s dreams and hopes seemed to be represented by the green light in the Great Gatsby that Gatsby viewed from his home. In Bodega Dreams, Bodega’s dreams appear to be represented through the “color and magic” of Manhattan. Bodega no longer wanted the Spanish Harlem to be viewed as a slum. Instead, his dreams were invested in redesigning the Spanish Harlem to be full of life and color and create a “new language”. I think this is probably one of the most important passages largely because of the parallels between Gatsby and Bodega but also because of the last line of this passage. Chino says that the Spanish Harlem was full of crime and kindness, and by the end of the novel it seems clear that what makes the Spanish Harlem full of “color and magic” is this paradox of crime and kindness.
-mk reynolds
I believe that this passage does a great job of summing up the novel. Throughout the story, the author thoroughly describes the hopes and dreams of Bodega, and the many trials and tribulations he goes through to make come true. His true goal was to positively impact the people of the Spanish Harlem, whether it was either paying for a child’s tuition or someone’s rent. In return, all Bodega ever wanted was the people to never forget him and to riot in the streets, just as Bodega himself broke out against the horrible conditions in the Harlem. However, it seemed as if now that Bodega is gone, the people of the Harlem have given up; providing only their “humble respects” to Bodega and “show their appreciation.” However, the importance of Bodega was definitely remembered, where “the entire barrio” was at the funeral. The story was solely centered around these hopes of Bodega, that unfortunately didn’t entirely come true, but shows readers the importance of trying to make such a difference as he did.
-Emily
sorry here is the quote:
“The people from the neighborhood might not have taken to the streets like Bodega thought they would, but that didn’t mean they had forgotten him. At the funeral the entire barrio was there. It seemed as if everyone had set aside everything and had gone to pay Bodega their humble respects and show their appreciation” (206).
-emily
Passage: I don't like people to think that I'm weak, because I'm not. Never been. But you, Chino, if yo'r as smart as I think you are, If yo've studied your history, you would know that the most powerful men have turned to garbage, basura, when they have fallen in love (166).
This passage is said by Bodega and is spoken to Chino. To me this passage represents the novel because it is about appearing better than you really are and hide your imperfections, and becoming an illusion. Chino tries to hide from Blanca that he is involved with Bodega. Nazario keeps from Bodega for over twenty years that he is using him to get to Vera. Bodegas business can be seen as noble, re- building the neighborhod, but when one learns he does this with drug money the perfect illusion is shattered. The example that this excerpt uses is of Bodega hiding his weakness which he believes is his love for Vera. A character that doesn't hide her imperfections is Negra she doesn't go to church to pray for her sins, she stabs her husband, and as a teenager she sneaks out of the house. To further show that Negra is imperfect she is often contrasted with Blanca. Maybe Blanca could be the representation of the non-illusion (she is just naturally perfect) or maybe she is full of sins too and is the perfect illusiion because everyone thinks she is perfect. Blanca, if she is an illusion, uses church to cleanse herself of sins and to reconstruct her illusion. I used this excerpt because to me this book is about illusions and things appearing to the onlooker better then they really are.
"He had represented the limitless possibilities in us all by living his life, striving for those dreams that seemed to elude the neighborhood year after year. But in that transitory moment when at last the pearl was about to be handed to him, like Orpheus or Lot's wife, he ahd to look back to find Vera,"(213).
This passage is a good representation of the message of the book because it describes the limits that were previously set on the neighborhood and how Bodega had shown them a path away from those limits. It relates greatly to gatsby because Vera was his downfall much like Daisy was Gatsby's downfall. If it weren't for that one girl he could have acheived all he'd wanted. But he was stopped just short of that acheivement because of her.
Jackie Cole
Stephanie Alkhatib
Passage: "you know what is happening here, don't you?... Its a beautiful new language. Don't you see what's happening? A new language means a new race. Spanglish is the future. Its a new language being born out of the ashes of two cultures clashing with each other. Words they might not teach you in that college. Words that aren't english or spanish but at the same time they're both. Our people are evolvinng into something completely new. Just like what i was trying to do, this language is not completely correct; but then, few things are." (212)
This quote was said by Bodega in Chino's dream. It is a good quote to summarize and conclude the book because it addressed the legacy of Bodega. It showed the cultural changes that Bodega led Spanish Harlem to in his lifetime; the clash of two different cultures led to a new language, and the culture was helped along by Bodega. This quote shows that because Bodega helped establish the clash in cultures by helping establish the Latinos in their new environment, he has helped along this "new language," which "means a new race." Overall, this quote was a last regognition of Bodega, which Chino recognized in his dream, for he saw in his mind who Bodega really was, and what he really did.
Nazario and Bodega, they were talking about something else. How life is born from chaos and explosions. Big Bang. They were talking about starting out as a piece of trash from the gutter and transforming your self into gold. Nazario and Bodega saw it as all or nothing. You couldn't have change without evolution and some people would get hurt and become extinct in the process because they couldn't adapt. Nazario's and Bodega's way made sense to me. But so did mine and Blanca's and in tense moments, I didn't know who made more sense or where my loyalties should be placed. (Page 160)
This passage was an eloquent description of the vision that Bodega and Nazario had for their city. It showed the beginning of Chino's questioning whether maybe he should remain loyal to Bodega. The analogy comparing Bodega's transformation of the city is an interesting one. It holds true that natural selection and survival of the fittest determine who will be successful in Bodega's new world. Both men believed that they could shatter the current state of society and any person could become powerful and successful. If it was necessary for some chaos and explosions to occur along the way then so be it. This passage separates Gatsby and Bodega. Gatsby never had a vision apart from winning the heart of Daisy by any means necessary. It is clear that Bodega had a powerful and important vision although his judgment certainly was blinded by Vera.
"The slums were full of his followers. His words were all over the neighborhood, murals screaming at you in the street, that He was your Lord and Savior. His spirit was all over El Barrio, but I didn’t see Him living among us. You wouldn’t catch Christ, in the flesh, living in the projects.” (139)
As Roberto Vega gives his speech to the church, julio sits there with Blanca to show her some support. This statement sums up the novel because it compares, in an unusual way, Bodega and God. Bodega was the main character, but he was everywhere, just like God is. If you were not a close friend of his, you would never meet him, only his followers, but the people would still respect him in the same way. God, supposably is everywhere with you, but you never fully see him, or even talk to him. Bodega resembles him in that way.
Mackenzie
"...Bodega did it to protect what was his. He did it to stop the vacant lots from multiplying. Didn't he? Tue, Vera was his reason for dreaming this all up, but whatever evil deed had been committed, something good was coming out of it. I looked around the rubble-strewn lot and knew someone had to do something about it. someone had to step forward and so something. Bodega had, because no one but one of its own residents was going to improve Spanish Harlem. No one"(171).
This passage sums up the main reasons and ideas of the novel well. I find it interesting because it is what Chino is telling himself. He knows what Bodega is doing is bad and that he shouldn't be doing it for Vera, but for Spanish Harlem. He questions himself, "Didn't he?", wondering if he really went through with all this strictly for one person. This idea of making his home, his family, his friends and his neighbors all better has kept Chino in the whole mess for so long. Of course he was dragged into it because of his Aunt, but this passage makes it clear that Chino wants to think of Bodega as a great guy and a role model who has improved society. I agree that Bodega has improved society, but that he has not yet made it into a "Great Society". He isn't as passionate about this as Chino would like to think, but he is passionate about his love for Vera. This comes back to haunt him as all his plans fall through and leads to his ultimate death. This passage is trying to give justice to what Chino is doing for Bodega claiming "no one else would do it" and that it "needs" to be done.
-$Brendan$
Passage: Now everything fell into place: Nazario and Vera had been planning this for some time. I figured that Bodega remained in the dark right up until Nazario reached for his gun to shoot him. His eyes must have bulged in pain, his mind must have spun in disbelief. In those few seconds, his heart must have broken. (pg 203)
The majority of the novel is summed up in this passage, which describes Nazario and Vera's secret plan finally coming to fruition. “Bodega remained in the dark” because he would be beneficial to Nazario. He was allowed to act on his Great Society dream only because he was playing into Nazario’s hands. By trying to win Vera through any means necessary, including drug trafficking and murder, Bodega was doing all of Nazario’s dirty work for him. This left Nazario’s reputation relatively spotless, so he could easily become the “legal and respectable”(46) man that Vera wanted. By describing the death of Bodega, this passage ties together and concludes the conflict that had been building up for most of the novel.
In addition to summarizing the plot of the novel, this passage also details the final moments of Bodega’s dream. His dream had been something of a cover story for reaching Vera, but it still played an important role in inspiring the people of El Barrio. When Bodega died, “his heart must have broken” not only because he was going to lose Vera, but also because the dream would lose its leader. Without him, and with Nazario obviously preoccupied with his victory, the people of El Barrio would have no one to encourage their continued growth and, in his mind at least, the dream would die.
-William Frankian
"At the cemetery, the crowds gathered like moss around the plot, where a Jesuit from San Cecilia, with the sign of the cross, scattered earth over the coffin. There were a lot of young people, too many for me to count. I knew theses were the students whose college tuition Bodega had been paying. His great society, a he had explained it to me that day I first met him. They held hands & began to sing a song I couldn't make out." (208)
I don't feel as if this passage is ideal in describing the novel as a whole, but I don't want to repeat a passage someone else has already written about, so this will have to do. This passage conveys the influence Willie Bodega had on the residence of Spanish Harlem. The use of the word "moss" best expresses the density of people in the cemetery, indicating that Bodega's death had affected many. Moreover, "holding hands" is universally regarded as a symbol for unification. Everyone has come together to mourn for Bodega--his death has united them--students and cashiers and butchers and tenants--under one concern. This was Bodega's plan exactly: for everyone to join together to grow stronger; I think Bodega's death made people realize that--that they would have to be stronger now because no one would have their backs (unless another "Bodega" came along).
Kathy Kendall
"Life is born from chaos and explosions. Big bang. They were talking about starting out as a piece of trash from the gutter and transforming yourself into gold. Nazario and Bodega saw it all or nothing. You couldn't have change without evolution and some people would get hurt and become extinct in the process because they couldn't adapt. Nazario's and Bodega's ways made sense to me. But so do mine and Blanca's, and in tense moments, I didn't know who made more sense or where my loyalties should be placed." (161)
I believe this quote does a great job summarizing the main goal of the novel. Because over all, the story is mostly about Bodega and Nazario trying to better the neighborhood and Julio being caught in the middle of it all, hesitant on whether he should work with these men and lie to Blanca or stick to his normal life. However I believe "you couldn't have change without evolution," because if you want places to get better or things to get better then things have to change. El Barrio can't change on its own, and if you want it to change you have to change with it. Also, towards the end of the quote Julio talks about how he believes in Bodega and Nazario's plan and how you have to do things and make changes "all for nothing," but is torn between helping make the change with Bodega and Nazario or sticking by Blanca and his normal life. This sums up most of Julio's feelings and hesitations he feels throughout the whole novel...to him, its either watching the changes be done instead of being apart of them since he's caught up with Bodega and Nazario, or confronting Blanca with the truth and letting her in on all of the deals and everything he is doing with Bodega and Nazario.
-Allie
"[Bodega] had represented the limitless possibilities in us all by living his life, striving for those dreams that seemed to elude the neighborhood year after year" (213).
This passage is significant because it sums up what bodega represents to the community. It shows that he is not merely a drug dealer or businessman, but that he represents hope that all of them might succeed against the odds to make something of themselves as well. This is relevant because of the role dreams play throughout the story. For example, the idea of the story comes from Bodega’s dream of love, which is fueled by the hope that it one day might come true. This hope is what Bodega represented, and is the message he left the community with.
Jack Doyle
Passage: The neighborhood might have been down, but it was far from out. Its people far from defeat. They had been bounced all over the place but they were still jamming. It seemed like a good place to start.(213)
I think this passage concludes the end of the novel. The passage brings a sense of energy and spirit that fills the neighborhood. Chino is basically stating that although the hopes and dreams of the neighborhood have been put down, there still is a chance to achieve those hopes and dreams. Although the people do not have work or are living in bad situations, they are 'far from defeat'. The last sentence of the novel states 'It seemed like a good place to start'. Chino is trying to say that although Bodega's dreams have fallen, he can always bring them up and try again. I agree with what Nicole had stated earlier, that Bodega's fantasy has been passed down to Chino and that he might even achieve it. This passage is basically stating that even though those dreams may have fallen or have become lost, there is always a possibility in achieving them and that you can start achieving them anytime.
-Alekhya
"Alone on the fire escape, I looked out to the neighborhood below. Bodega was right, it was alive. Its music and people had taken off their mourning clothes. The neighborhood has turned into a maraca, with the mem and women transformed into seeds, shaking with lock and desire for one another" (212).
This quote doesn't necessaily 'encapsulate' the novel as a whole but I like how it contributes to Julio's conclusion. This quote is important to the overall book because it shows the influence that Bodega had in the Spanish Harlem even after he was killed. His dreams were passed on to everyone else in the community, who realized that they couldn't allow Bodega's effort to die along with him. In Julio's dream, everyone painted a R.I.P for Bodega, painting him as the Holy Spirit and placing him next to other saints, showing how they appreciated his dreams for their community. In his dream, instead of mourning Bodega's death, they celebrate his life and how they can continue on with his principles even in his absence. This shows what Bodega meant to the entire community. They valued his presence in their lives and they showed their appreciated for him by taking to the streets in his honor. Because of this fact Bodega did not reach his own dream, in which everyone rioted on the streets to demonstrate their loyalty to him, but he did show the community what their goals SHOULD be.
Oh hey yeah that was me at 9:34, Allie Nix.
"The way a picture that's been hanging on a wall for years leaves a shadow of light behind, Bodega had kicked the door down and left a green light of hope for everyone. He had represented the limitless possibilities in us all by living his life, striving for those dreams that seemed to elude the neighborhood year after year"(pg. 213).
This passage is a great ending to sum up the book and the life of Willie Bodega. It represents his effect on Spanish Harlem and more particularly his effect on Chino. He opened Chino's eyes to what life is like when you follow your dreams and he left the bit of hope that Chino needs. Chino was not in the happiest state after the people in his life were dying and with his marriage on the rocks, and realizing the vitality of Bodega's life, it gave him a sense of hope and eligibility to sense hope within the community. Bodega let the whole community know that anything was possible and he opened many doors of opportunity. He showed people the "green light of hope" which gave people the confidence to pursue their hopes and dreams as he did in his own life. And although he didn't fully fulfill everything he had wished, he never failed to prove to the community that he wasn't capable of fulfilling all his dreams.
-Megan C
"I nodded, but right then I knew Bodega was lost. His dreams about the neighborhood had been too close to his love for Vera, incestuous cousins that had no right getting involved. When he looked at me that night, his face still had that radiant look, that well-focused beam that couldn't miss its target. But miss it, it would" (192).
This passage, right after Vera shoots her husband and Bodega immediately decides to take the blame for it, is when Chino realizes just how crazy in love Bodega is. Winning Vera's heart being the main reason behind everything in this story, this passage is extremely significant to show the true state of Bodega and his love for Vera. He becomes so obsessed with her and winning her love back that he truely is "lost". All rationality is gone from his brain and all he can see is Vera. He let his love interfere with his dreams for the neighborhood, which Chino describes as "incestuous cousins", two too-closely related issues that have no right "getting involved" or inflicting emotion on the other. Bodega was so positive in all that he did, his face a "well-focuses beam" that "couldn't miss its target". He knew his plans couldn't fail. But in the end, the did fail for that beam did miss. It is tragically sad that Bodega did so much, only to fail so hard in the end.
oops!
-MEGHAN DOHERTY :)
"But tell this..."
"William Irizarry," Nazario repeated with out a note or irritation.
"Tell him that should he come out on top, I could with a spic like him. One that believes in the old days and plays by the rules. It was smart of him to see me before reacting. It shows the man can think. Tell this..." Just as Nazario was about to repeat Bodega's name, the old man lifted his hand to stop him. "Tell this William Irizarry that should he come out on top, from this day forth I will remember his name."
This passage is the most important in the novel. First, the quote shows how smart Bodega is, to not react impulsively but send a diplomat to meet with one of Fischman's associates, an older gangster. Second, it gives a glimpse into Bodega's mind and thought process. Bodega is obsessed with the past, due to his lost love with Vera. This obsession is also made apparent by his frequent mention of the educational history programs that he watches on television, speaking of Napoleon in Egypt, and of the Russian Revolution and Lenin guarding an art museum in Moscow. The aging gangster, Cavelleri, mentions that he has heard that Bodega doesn't sell crack to children, and runs programs to help students pay for school. Cavelleri is impressed that Bodega "plays by the rules." It also shows Bodega's power, in that he is trying to influence an expierenced gangster. This passage shows everything Bodega stands for, power, the right to the pursuit of happiness by achieving a higher education, an obsession with the past due to his lost love, and a gentlemanly honor not found in the present day, but more commonly associated with older gangsters by helping out their communities.
-Tom Barnes
The way a picture that's been hanging on the wall for years leaves a shadow of light behind, Bodega had kicked the door down and left a green light of hope for everyone. He represented the limitless possibilities in all of us by living his life, striving for those dreams that seemed to elude the neighborhood year after year. But in that transitory moment when at last the pearl was about to be handed to him, like Orpheus or lot's wife he had to look back to find Vera. (P.213)
This quote occurs after Chino's dream about Bodega. Chino is describing Bogega's mark on the neighborhood. Chino is describing how Bodega, by chasing after his dreams, showed the neighborhood what they could achieve. By using language such as "Bodaga had kicked down the door" Using words like this gives the reader the sense that Bodega didnt just come in quietly and change people's lives, he burst in and he shook things up. He changed lives in an explosive manner. Even when Bodega was gone he left an imprint on the world and he was a opened doors by showing people that they can achieve and they are just as good as the rich people who can afford the nicer things. Bodega opened a door for everyone. He lifted the shroud of self doubt that had smothered the neighborhood. Also with Quinonez's reference to Orphius, a fabled musician from Greek mythology who almost brought his wife back from the kingdom of the dead but turned around and looked at her which sent her back to hades, Quinonez's is showing how Bodega had almost achieved a nearly impossible task but failed due to looking back for his love. Orpheus was a fabled musician who used his talent to almost retrieve his love while Bodega used his incredible street smarts to do the same. Quinonez uses this parallel to show readers how looking back can keep even the greatest from success. Quinonez's is saying here that even though Bodega failed he left a path others could follow and maybe they will secede.
James Ackley
This isn't a long quote but, I think it says a lot: "'My brothers and sisters, never leave the truth'...'Never turn from the light. The darkness will enslave you'" (139).
This quote is said by the 17 year old, annointed one, Roberto Vega. He was giving a speech in Blanca's church and he was talking about how the people used to turn back to darkness before the Lord came and saved them. I think this passage really has the most significance overall because it's a message that really is true and the results of not following the passage are shown through Bodega's life. He was doing well in the beginning of the novel; he had his dream to own the whole neighborhood and then his vision of getting Vera back, haunted him. Vera in this case is the darkness that Roberto talked about. Once he started to think of Vera and getting her back, Nazario was there to trick Bodega and cause his death. The message is that, you never need to go back to the past, the future is that green light that everone needs to focus on because is a slip up is made, darkness is right there to enslave you. I know that one passage was supposed to be picked..but to understand the first one a little more, we can look at the last page of the novel, "Bodega had kicked the door down and left a green light of hope for everyone....But in that transitory moment when at last the pearl was about ot be handed to him, like Orpheus or Lot's wife, he had to look back to find Vera" (213). If you don't get that...then ugh...TOO BAD because I think it's pretty plain clear.
-Kipani <--that means Tiffany in Hawaiian =] aloha
"I don't like people to think that I'm weak, because I'm not. Never been. But you, Chino, if yo'r as smart as I think you are, If you've studied your history, you would know that the most powerful men have turned to garbage, basura, when they have fallen in love"
I thought that this passage summed up the entire theme of Bodega Dreams. Although Bodega was a great man, the girl he loved turned him into something insignificant, or "garbage". Ironically, Bodega did not even realize the extent of the truth in his words since he did not know that Vera was going to betray him.
-Josh F
"'My mother tells me that years ago her sister went out with alot of guys, but that the guy she supposedly was in love with, Julio...his name wasn't William Irizarry.'"..."'The guy she really loved, his name was Edwin Nazario. You, Julio,' she said, talking like her sister,'have been played.'" (200)
This conversation between Chino and Negra really wraps the entire novel up. The entiire novel is based off of a scheme that Nazario had planned and when Negra tells Chino this everything makes sense. Almost every character in the novel had beeen part of this scheme that Nazario had to get his girl back. The whole novel everyone had been played and this small coversation encapsulates that.
Mike Horgan
"the way a picture that's been hanging on a wall for years leaves a shadow of light behind, Bodega had kicked the door down and left a green light of hope for everyone. He had represented the limitless possibilities in us all by living his life.. but in that transitory moment when at last the pearl was about to be handed to him... he had to look back to find Vera"(213).
This passage is, in my opinion, one of the most important quotes of the novel. It shows what Bodega has created and left behind, but also mortalized him at the same time. The "green light" that Bodgea leaves is the start of a revolution of the neighborhood. He has shown the "possibilities" and "hope" to the people of East Harlem, and now it was up to the neighborhood to carry out Bodega's dream of a better place in the characters as well as the enviroment they are in.
Many times in the novel, both Nazario and Bodega, are referred to as God figures. Now we see that Bodega is just as mortal as anyone. The whole novel builds Bodega up and at the end of the last sentence in the passage he looks back to his past and to Vera. This mistake to connect the past and the future lead to Bodega's dimise. This passage shows Bodega as he truly was, a smart guy, but he made mistakes like an other person. It shows us that Bodega was nothing like God.
- heather carr
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