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Bodega Dreams Sparknotes

1055 Words5 Pages

Edward Zhang
Ms. Henderson
English 2 Honors
19 January 2023
The Dilemma: An Analysis of Bodega Dreams
Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez is about a young guy in Spanish Harlem who must choose between two conflicting avenues for success in life. The protagonist of the novel is a young man named Chino who resides in Spanish Harlem in New York City. While working and paying his way through school, Chino encounters Willie Bodega, a drug dealer who promises to improve life for the locals. The central topic of the book, however, is whether it is acceptable to commit crimes when doing so helps society. Ernesto Quionez's novel Bodega Dreams, which is set in a neighborhood plagued by crime, poverty, drugs, and political oppression, emphasizes Chino's …show more content…

Chino and Blanca first pursue the "American Dream," which promises a blissful life. Since education provides a broad range of choices for individuals willing to focus and concentrate on their desired careers, Chino works hard in school because he wants to "graduate, get a good job, save money, and buy a house" (Quiñonez 160). The "American Dream" lifestyle is associated with a prosperous and secure financial future. Hence, the objective of Latinos and Puerto Ricans is to dominate Spanish Harlem to amass enough riches and political influence to dominate. But some people feel that living well may be obtained honestly, while others believe that doing whatever it takes to live the life they desire is essential. "Puerto Ricans and Latinos gathered their bags and carried their dreams on their backs" in America, God's land” (161). Secondly, Chino believed that many things, particularly society and his own culture, had a bright future at one time. Chino feels better about himself now that his drive has improved, and he wants to share the "new language Bodega had spoken," since it was "promising" (136). Chino was overjoyed at the possibility of a brighter future for Spanish Harlem because "Spanish Harlem would run faster, fly higher, and stretch out its arms further tomorrow"

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