87 pages • 2 hours read
Ann JaramilloA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
La línea means “the line” in Spanish. In the novel, la línea is the physical border between the United States and Mexico. To Miguel, Elena, and all the immigrants they encounter on their trip north, however, la línea represents both a barrier and a transition, a restriction and potential freedom. Immigrants see the line as an obstacle they must overcome to achieve a different, better life. They believe there are greater opportunities in the north, such as chances for education and financial stability.
As a barrier, the line is divisive, separating families like Miguel’s for years and possibly forever. Crossing the line constitutes a brutal test of migrants’ determination and perseverance. Miguel and Elena dream of the day they will cross la línea and rejoin their families, imagining that life will then be easy. They risk their lives for their dreams only to discover that crossing the line does not ensure their dreams will become reality.
After crossing la línea, Miguel comments, “I’d arrived at the very place I always wanted to be, across la línea, in el Norte, but I was in the middle of nowhere” (98). Crossing the border does not bring immediate change or self-knowledge.
Action & Adventure
View Collection
Books About Art
View Collection
Brothers & Sisters
View Collection
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Daughters & Sons
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fathers
View Collection
Immigrants & Refugees
View Collection
Mothers
View Collection
Safety & Danger
View Collection
Teams & Gangs
View Collection