Tropic of Orange Flashcards

Study Notes

Author Background

Karen Tei Yamashita is the author of "Tropic of Orange."

Key Characters

Rafael Cortes:
- Gabriel's housekeeper
- Married to Bobby
- Has a son named Sol
- Discovers the Tropic of Orange in Gabriel's backyard in Mexico.
Bobby Ngu:
- Originates from Singapore and pretends to be Vietnamese.
- Speaks Spanish and runs a cleaning service.
- Believes hard work leads to material success, yet desires more from her relationship with Bobby.
- Experiences personal growth by embracing Rafaela and learning acceptance of uncontrollable circumstances.
Emi:
- A TV news station editor and technophile.
- Engages in instant gratification through internet browsing.
- Granddaughter of Manzanar and boyfriend of Gabriel.
- Cynical and flippant, reflects cultural awareness in local restaurants.
Buzzworm:
- A social worker assisting lower-income communities in Los Angeles.
- Provides access to legal counsel, health services, and financial help.
- Collects watches and constantly listens to the radio, which informs his work.
Manzanar Murakami:
- Gabriel's grandfather, a former surgeon who quit his profession.
- Known for orchestrating traffic symphonies.
Gabriel Balboa:
- A news reporter wanting a simple life in Mexico while being tied to the fast pace of New York City.
- Explores the story of laced oranges, relying on Buzzworm for insights into homeless life.
- Boyfriend of Emi.
Arcangel:
- An almost mystical figure with centuries of existence.
- Possesses superhuman abilities and directs the fight against SUPERNAFTA.
- Cares for Sol during critical moments.

Themes and Concepts

Examples of Magical Realism:
- The emergence of a freeway city featuring tomato gardens.
- Rafaela consumes C. Juarez, symbolizing cultural connections.
- Arcangel is capable of pulling a bus, highlighting fantastical elements.
Relevant Terms:
- Magical Realism: Literary style where magical elements are a natural part of an otherwise mundane environment.
- Local Color/Regionalism: Focus on specific local culture and characteristic settings.
- Postmodernism: Reflecting the complexities and contradictions of modern life.
- Globalization: The integration and interdependence of economies, cultures, and populations across the world.

Description

Test your knowledge of key characters and concepts from the novel 'Tropic of Orange' by Karen Tei Yamashita. This set of flashcards covers important figures like Rafael Cortes and Bobby Ngu, offering insight into their roles and backgrounds in the story. Perfect for studying the book's themes and character relationships.