4. Why does Alma stop Isla and José from becoming friends, and how does her past explain it?

[smkelly]

Alma quickly separates Isla and José when they first meet as children. When you first read that scene, why did you think she stopped their budding friendship? Does knowing more about Alma’s own past change your understanding?

[Gharam mahmoud]

At first, Alma’s actions seem strict and controlling, but learning about her painful past helps explain her behavior. She was likely trying to protect Isla from repeating her own mistakes, making her actions more understandable, though still complex.

[Gharam mahmoud]

At first, Alma’s actions seem strict or unfair when she separates Isla and José. But later, learning about her painful past helps explain her behavior—she may have been trying to protect Isla from repeating her own mistakes. This adds depth to Alma’s character and makes her actions more understandable.

[tangledipintx]

This was an indication of the class/economic/social distinctions that are in this story. The twist that is revealed later, does show that Alma was trying to protect Isla.

[Mher1]

When I first read the scene, I was upset with Alma because I thought she was just being prejudiced. After learning about Alma’s past, I realized her actions were more of fear. Fearful of a repeat scenario and also of the family’s response.

[lanlynk]

There seems to be a lot of secrets kept by this family, either as a whole or by individuals. With this past hidden experience of Alma's, we see how not being open and truthful from the start causes more harm in relationships than just telling the truth. Although, to be fair, Alma was still suffering from the pain of her past, making opening up difficult. But I also think she was very much affected by classism as well.