House of the Scorpion, Chapters 1-10 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Where does Eduaro plant the embryos?

Brood cow

What do you suppose Eduaro is trying to produce?

Clones

Which baby clone is left intact?

Matteo Alacran

Who is Matt's caregiver?

Celia Signup and view all the answers

Which two languages can Matt read slightly?

English and Spanish Signup and view all the answers

Who looks through the window in Matt's house?

A girl and a boy Signup and view all the answers

Why does Matt break the window with an iron pot?

He thinks to save Maria Signup and view all the answers

What does the writing on the sole of Matt's foot say?

Property of Alacran Estate Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rosa spread newspapers on the floor and place a bucket beside Matt's bed?

She doesn't believe he is housebroken Signup and view all the answers

What does Maria do because she is afraid to go back to her room alone in the dark?

She sleeps with Matt Signup and view all the answers

Whose clone is Matt?

El Patron's Signup and view all the answers

Where does Matt sleep when Rosa has his bed taken away?

On the cement floor Signup and view all the answers

With what does Rosa fill Matt's room?

Sawdust Signup and view all the answers

Why does Matt hide bits of food in the sawdust?

To attract bugs Signup and view all the answers

Who threatens to tell Maria where Matt lives and how filthy he looks?

Tom Signup and view all the answers

Who are the unwelcome visitors to Matt's room?

Celia and Maria Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Rosa give Matt?

Don't say anything about me Signup and view all the answers

Who is waiting for Matt?

El Patron and Cecila Signup and view all the answers

How old is El Patron?

140 years Signup and view all the answers

Whom does Matt choose as his bodyguard?

Tam Lin Signup and view all the answers

Why does Matt start a fight with Tom?

Because Tom ripped an ear off his teddy bear Signup and view all the answers

Why is Matt bored with the teacher?

Because he is doing the same thing over and over Signup and view all the answers

What is Teacher's greatest accomplishment?

She causes Matt to talk Signup and view all the answers

Where is Tam Lin taking Matt to celebrate?

On a picnic Signup and view all the answers

What is derived from poppies?

Opium Signup and view all the answers

What is wrong with the man lying in the dirt?

He is dead Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that Matt and Tam Lin are riding a safe horse?

It has an implant in its head and is programmed to do only as it's told Signup and view all the answers

Where do they eat their lunch?

At the oasis Signup and view all the answers

Where does Matt discover a secret place?

Through a closet behind the music room Signup and view all the answers

What talent does Matt possess?

Music Signup and view all the answers

On El Patron's one hundred and forty-third birthday, what promise does Matt make to Celia?

If something bad happens he will come to the pantry behind the kitchen Signup and view all the answers

From where does Matt rescue the dog?

The toilet bowl Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Relationships

Eduardo: Works with embryos, involved in the creation of clones.
Matteo Alacran (Matt): The intact baby clone of El Patron, central character of the story.
Celia: Matt's caregiver who provides nurturing in a challenging environment.
Maria: A bright presence in Matt’s life, often visits him and brings food.
Rosa: Represents hostility towards Matt and exhibits distrust and neglect.

Setting and Conditions

Alacran Estate: Matt is marked as property of the estate, showing his status as a clone.
Matt's Living Conditions: Initially experiences treatment akin to that of an animal, including being confined and having a makeshift bed.

Significant Events

Matt's Literacy: Despite being only six years old, he can read slightly in both English and Spanish, indicating early intelligence.
Rosa's Treatment: She doubts Matt's ability to behave, leading her to spread newspapers and leave a bucket beside his bed.
Tam Lin: Matt chooses him as a bodyguard, highlighting the themes of protection and loyalty.

Themes of Identity and Society

Clones: Questions surrounding the ethics and purpose behind cloning and identity emerge throughout Matt's experiences.
Experience of Neglect: Matt's upbringing includes emotional and physical neglect, contrasting with typical childhood experiences, which shapes his identity.

Important Symbols

Sawdust: Matt uses it to hide food, representing his struggle for survival and resourcefulness.
Poppy Fields: The setting alludes to the origins of opium, drawing a parallel with Matt's origins as a clone.

Key Actions and Motivations

Matt's Fight with Tom: A moment of defiance initiated by Tom's mistreatment of Matt's belongings.
Matt's Promise to Celia: On a significant birthday, he pledges to seek safety if something goes wrong, showing his loyalty.

Cultural Elements

Bilingualism: Matt's ability to read in two languages signifies the blending of cultures within the narrative.
Privileged vs. Underprivileged: The story contrasts Matt’s life with that of other characters, showcasing social hierarchies influenced by cloning.

Discoveries and Talents

Musical Talent: Matt discovers an aptitude for music, hinting at hidden potentials and the search for personal identity.
Secret Place: Matt finds a hidden area behind the music room, emphasizing themes of exploration and curiosity in his quest for understanding his world.

Notable Plot Developments

Confrontation with the Dead: Discovery of a deceased man signifies the harsh realities of life outside Matt's sheltered world.
Matt’s Emotional Growth: Events like breaking the window for Maria reflect his developing emotional responses and connections.

These notes encapsulate the crucial aspects of characters, themes, symbols, and significant events in the first ten chapters of "The House of the Scorpion," providing a comprehensive overview for study.

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Test your knowledge of the first ten chapters of 'The House of the Scorpion' with these flashcards. Each card presents important words and definitions to help you grasp key concepts and characters in the story. Perfect for review or study sessions!