Web. (Valdez 51)"Such negative comments make henry feel hopeless at times and make it difficult for him to stay positive. And what is happening at the time this happend? Henry's mother Dolores sees Lupe is wearing a very short skirt and gasps. HE dons them. [28] The zoot suits became framed as unpatriotic, referring to the excessiveness of cloth. She's certain he's a good guy despite his angry demeanor and his tattoo, which was common among members of Mexican American street gangs. Thats one of questionsKathy Peissexplores in her new book, Zoot Suit: The Enigmatic Career of an Extreme Style. In the book, Peiss, the Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Professor of American History inPenns School of Arts and Sciences, examines the fashion phenomenon that became so politically polarizing it played a part in sparking a vicious uprising in California, known as the Zoot Suit Riots. Example 1. WebZoot Suit Important Quotes. [8], After hearing of the event, an article for the Pittsburg Courier warned that Black zoot suiters could be the next target for "the patriotic lawlessness of men in uniform" and stated that both "Los Angeles Negro and Mexican zoot suiters are closer together than they are to members of their own racial group. The flowing look of the suit was particularly flashy on the dance floor, and young people took note. 6. A drunken Rudy Reyna gets into a fight with Rafas, the Downey Gang's leader, and ends up on the floor. El Pachuco highlighted the changes Henry was going through especially by the end. Before they leave, Alice tells Henry she and many others believe in his innocence. Paper (itself/itself) has almost disappeared in the virtual office. Once el Pachuco was gone from Henry's presence he had accepted and grown into a better character. Which detective character speaks Spanish, sees the zoot suiters as animals, and is essentially the bad cop? Who shall be their next innocent victim in some dark alley way, on some lonely street? WebEl Pachuco (Symbol) El Pachuco is not so much a real character as a phantom and a symbol of Chicano identity. Sergeant Smith then pulls Henry out of the lineup and throws him on the floor. What does the singing of El Pachuco suggest? a. hang Yet clothes like these are being worn by kids all over America. Overall El Pachuco had great effect on Henry's character. Then. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. No sooner has this image appeared, than Valdez stages its destruction for the entrance of the mythic El Pachuco, who is a figmenta legendrather than an individual man, a metaphorical leader of the Chicano sub-culture portrayed in the play. The group discusses the fact that the only gang member that wasn't arrested is Rudy, even though he was at the Sleepy Lagoon that night. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. How long have I known you? Like el Pachuco, a character that shares most of the play with Henry, by being in almost all scenes. For instance, in the knife fight between Henry and Rafas, Pachuco snaps his fingers and advises Henry not to kill Rafas, as that is precisely what the audience is used to seeing happen with Hispanic characters onstage. The snarling juvenile delinquent. A rival gang, the Downey Gang, enters and challenges the 38th Street Gang. f. similar, like, same She tells him that the regular press is saying that the Pachucos are fascist and are following orders from American Japanese from inside the relocation camps. The boys agree. In-depth strategy and insight into critical interconnection ecosystems, datacenter connectivity, product optimization, fiber route development, and more. Your loved ones? Course Hero. When introduce to El Pachuco he enters adjusting his zoot suit and he "proudly, slovenly, defiantly makes his way downstage." As Latin music plays, Lupe tells Henry that Rudy is very drunk again, but Henry tells her to let their brother have a good time. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. I also know that Im in here just be cause I hung around with Mexicans or pachucos. Scene 5. In fierce competition for market domination, Hearst newspapers gained readership by featuring lurid and sensational headlines; inflammatory stories, many about crime and corruption; exaggerations; and questionable facts. Henry Reyna 2. Who is El Pachuco? Not affiliated with Harvard College. In 1942, the War Production Board issued restrictions aimed at stopping the sale of zoot suits. A prologue. In the past, Henry played the protector, but in prison he's powerless. George goes to investigate and Alice asks Henry some questions. Which character speaks to Henry, represents a mythical god, acts as the narrator, and is the symbol of what a Zoot Suiter should be? Instant downloads of all 1713 LitChart PDFs They are often stuck in jail for small crimes, and are treated more poorly than their white peers. The boys What does Lt. Edwards say about the mass lineup? Pachuco then snaps his fingers again and everyone unfreezes. In the early 1940s, working-class youth, entertainers and dancers continued to wear zoot suits, and the look spread to Italian Americans, Jews, and even some teenage girls. Even though he wants to kill Rafas for hurting his brother, he feels responsible for protecting the reputation of his community, which includes the Downey Gang. Over time there [was] a perception that the zoot suit is unpatriotic.. "[8] Norris J. Nelson, Los Angeles City Council member, proposed outlawing zoot suits. a Mexican American member of a young street gang subculture popular during the first half of the 20th century and known for its flamboyant style and fashion, similar in many ways to the zoot-suit subculture. [8] Others wore the zoot suit, but refused to refer to themselves as 'zoot suiters. "That's exactly what they paid to see," says Pachuco, "Think about it." PRESS: [] We are dealing with a threat and danger to our children, our families, our homes. WebEl Pachuco in Zoot Suit is a representative of the Pachuco subculture that dressed in zoot suits. tends to his hair, combing back every strand into a long luxurious ducktail, with infinite loving pains. Unlock this Study Guide! "This is the wrong time to be antisocial, son. The play moves back in time to the dance. After speaking a few lines of Spanish, he speaks in English, welcoming the audience to the play, and telling us that it is "a construct of fact and fantasy." He is a heightened manifestation of Henry's "That's exactly what they paid to see," El Pachuco tells Henry, advising him to "think about it." As the main plot of the play unfolds, we see that the central narrative concerns the tension between the 38th Street Gang and the Downey Gang. The zoot suit should not be looked at solely as a costume that conveys political resistance.. Bertha gives Henry a hard time for not killing Rafas. [2][3][4][5], The zoot suit originated in an African American comedy show in the 1930s and was popularized by jazz and jump blues singers. The dance is interrupted by sirens. "You're in here just because some bigshot up in San Simeon wants to sell more papers," Alice says. Cab Calloway called them "totally and truly American". Before we know much about the tension between the two gangs, we see them at a dance, working out this tension to the music provided by Pachuco. January 3, 2020. She asks Henry about the cross tattoo on his hand and tells him she has talked to his whole family. latinos are a by product of the something of empire because: -transplanted Henry Reyna and his Latin juvenile cohorts are not heroes. [7] In some cases, youth as young as twelve were attacked and dragged out of establishments. "I don't want to look like a square," Lupe protests, but Henry advises his sister to do as their father says. Lieutenant Edwards tells Henry that he knows why he's been arrested, and Henry says, "Yeah, I'm Mexican." "[8] After being attacked, Mexican and Black zoot suiters rioted against white U.S. "He is transformed into the very image of the pachuco myth, from his pork-pie hat to the tip of his four-foot watch chain." Download a PDF to print or study offline. U.S. NAVY AND MARINES ARE CALLED IN. What type of theatre did the playwright found? And what is happening at the time this happend? Are you referring to the culture? The way the content is organized. 5. Members of the Press then enter and announce the breaking headline. Hobo, Choo, Zooter, Hoba, Blondie, and Little Blue. The theme of racial discrimination is shown as members of the 38th Street Gang contend with the ways that they are mistreated by officers of the law. I speak as an actor on the stage. WebEl Pachuco not only represents the spirit of pachuco culture in the 1940s, but the pachucos connection to a rich ancient heritage. Set these pachucos free and you will turn them into heroes. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. I didnt do anything. Scene 1. Since '39?" "Zoot Suit Study Guide." Deadline from 3 hours. you read the newspapers? In the end Henry and El Pachuco are very important characters despite their flaws. Choose your writer among 300 professionals! PRESS: (Jumping in.) Choose the correct pronoun from the pair in parentheses. 7. Shaken by Lurid 'Kid' Murder." El Pachuco sings a song about the zoot suit while couples dance. Scene 6. -uprooted Zoot Suit was being told from the point When Henry remains silent after getting accused, Sergeant Smith says, "Forget it, Lieutenant. Smith beats Henry with a rubber sap, causing Henry to pass out. Scene 1. Although its exact origin is unknown, the term zoot suit appears to have come from the rhyming slang, or jive, spoken in the African-American community at the time, Peiss says. The fourth-year do-it-all guard on the womens basketball team is in the final stages of her sensational career at Penn. Well, you leave my people out of this! Every Woman has their secrets, every person in general has their secrets. What Henry is facing now is reality. In this moment, the actor playing Pachuco identifies himself as an actor in order to show how Pachuco is an allegorical presence and a mystical entity more than a literal man; by calling attention to the theatricality of the figure, playwright Valdez helps the audience see the mystical elements of the plot. El Dia de la Raza. His fantastic costume is complete. The narrator. Web1. Zoot Suit Study Guide. Alice views Henry as a "classic social victim." [11] One of the popular songs of the era was the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' "Zoot Suit Riot," which presented the historical moment of the Zoot Suit Riots through a lens of masculine power. What does the play begin with? Rudy, Henry's brother, enters in a zoot suit made from Enrique's coat and Enrique protests. Complete your free account to request a guide. White servicemen and civilians begin to attack young men, especially Mexican-American men. Henry is not amenable to Alice's questioning, and she tells him she wants to be his friend and understand him. Henry pushes back, thinking he has a chance of "coming out of this on top." In Boesman and Lena (1973), Athol Furgad represents violence as something that produces confusion and disorientation; fear and frustration for Boesman and it also produces emotional pain; and desperation and despair for Lena. "Zoot Suit Study Guide." El Pachuco (Symbol) El Pachuco is not so much a real character as a phantom and a symbol of Chicano identity. He always denies the help he gets or calls them out for what he considers are their real intentions. Henry wants to kill him, and shouts at the audience that he has to or Rafas will kill him. Create a web diagram and fill in effects of the rapid growth of railroads. When the boys refuse his help, George says, "The D.A. Not surprisingly, the criticism did little to dissuade its fans from wearing it, and in fact may have even attracted more people to the look. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. It continues to have a hold on the imagination.. The final one, read by Della Barrios, announces the start of the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial. ", As the Act 1 Prologue begins "a switchblade plunges through the newspaper" as the song "Perdido" by Duke Ellington plays. In the space before each Latin root in column I, write the letter of its definition from column II. Accessed April 8, 2023. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Zoot-Suit/. Also because of El Pachuco's highly impression of himself he tends to judge people quickly. (including. El Pachuco is a voice both of reason and of chaos, part guardian angel and part trickster. Medyo komplekado ang paksang ito kaya kadalasan itong tinatalakay sa sekondarya at kolehiyo. It is caused largely because Henry is separating himself from the pachuco mentality of machismo, or manliness. Now we are shown the actual events of what happened that night, which further confirm Henry's innocence. Edwards enters with Alice Bloomfield, a 26-year-old reporter. You're a gringo." Why? PRESS: Their appearance is distinctive. Course Hero. Having more progress for him to make. The ev. 's coming after you, son, and he's going to put you and your whole gang right into the gas chamber." Two thirds of our assignment ( has\underline{\text{has}}has, have) been completed. The Japs have sewed up the Pacific. This essay has been submitted by a student. [18][19], "A Zoot Suit (For My Sunday Gal)" was a 1942 song written by L. Wolfe Gilbert and Bob O'Brien. The dance opens with a "lively swing number" by El Pachuco. A pachuco is the manifestation of all the forces of nature, an almost otherworldly identity that is made out of the very fabric of life itself. florida homestead portability calculator brevard county Share [42] This extravagance, which many considered unpatriotic in wartime, was a factor in the Zoot Suit Riots. While he is negative, judgmental, and egoistic without him Henry's story wouldn't be complete. 4. [8] African American styles usually incorporated brighter colors, thick chalk stripes, floppy hats, and long chains more often than Mexican Americans. The boys' defense lawyer who speaks Spanish and aids Henry. Opening its doors for business in 1978, El Pachuco Zoot Suits, located at 801 South Harbor Boulevard, has always been a family business. How did Rudy end Henry and the Pachuccos life? - immense influence of the media For Chicanos, 1940 was an era of Standard Loneliness Package by Charles Yu reflects on how two people who take sadness and pain just for money have to try to find love within each other. [9] Cesar Chavez sported zoot suit attire in his younger years and the zoot suit became an important cultural symbol for the Chicano Movement. What if I were to tell you that I had Spanish blood in my veins? Henry tells Rudy that when he leaves for the Navy he will give his brother his zoot suit, but Rudy says he will get his own. Suddenly, Rudy gets into a fight with Rafas, the leader of the Downey Gang, and Rafas pushes him onto the floor, yelling, "And what does it matter to you, male prostitute?" Placing his faith in George and Alice causes a rift within Henry. George begins to speak in Spanish, which surprises the boys. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Bertha insults Henry, saying that he's changed since he joined the Navy and he grabs her by the arm, but she walks away. What is the name of the judge who favors the prosecution and leads the witnesses and leads the unfair trial? Still, this is only in the beginning it takes a while for George to gain Henry's trust, but that's because El Pachuco will constantly be suspicious causing Henry to be unsure of his trust. "Don't tell 'em shit," Pachuco advises Henry, as Henry feigns ignorance. There is also a sailor named Swabbie and his Japanese-American girlfriend Machuka. - and in process of constant reinvention, of mexican descent don't need to be born there, -by/about/for framework Think about it," Henry decides not to. Henry asks for a cigarette, which Pachuco hands over, advising the gang leader to stay strong and fight back against the injustice. This is mostly because El Pachuco only interacts with Henry and the audience every now and then. both citizenship and nation-based culture, Luis Valdez's relationship with Cesar Chavez, they split because Chavez wanted to focus on the labor movement. El Pachuco appears to him in his cell and tells him that the police are cracking down on pachuco gangs, and that they have a prejudice against him because he is a gang leader. Racists who wear good uniforms, and fight the zoot suiters. He also serves as Henry Reyna's conscience, or He also doesn't like being considered the victim, which is one reason he initially resists Alice's overtures of help and friendship. Which character speaks to Henry, represents a mythical god, acts as the narrator, and is the symbol of what a Zoot Suiter should be? Who are all of the members of the Downey Gang? So Henry is faced with the age-old conundrum: to take the right way and lose, or to take the wrong way and win. As the couples dance to swing music, Bertha, Henry's ex-girlfriend, asks him to dance with her, but he refuses. El Pachuco sings a song about the zoot suit while couples dance. During the 1940s in the United States, discrimination against Chicanos rose highly after the Sleepy Lagoon incident in 1942. I dont believe we will have any difficulty if their clothing becomes dirty. Your Honor, there is testimony we expect to develop that the 38th Street Gang are characterized by their style of haircuts. Henry steps in and takes on Rafas himself. He can't protect anyone, not even himself. How did the media portray the Puchocos? When she asks him about the cross tattoo on his hand, he covers it up instinctively, and she tells him she spoke with his family. . He tells her, seriously, that he did not. (Valdez 40)"Although being aware of the new people he meets helps keep his people safe, it also prevents him from cooperating with George. He is the play's narrator, the band's singer, and the essence of pachuco culture. Typically they would buy them at local clothing shops and have them tailored to this oversized style.. Business, & Law. Zoot Suit. "They're screaming for blood," he says. A discussion with the movies directors, Alan Snitow and Deborah Kauffman, will follow. No plagiarism guarantee. PACHUCO: [] Ladies and gentlementhe play you are about to seeis a construct of fact and fantasy.The Pachuco Style was an act in Lifeand his language a new creation. WebWhen El Pachucos is stripped of his zoot suit and left in a loin cloth Valdez is reinforcing the importance of the indigenous ancestors, the Aztecs. and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive." El Pachuco is a multifunctional character in Zoot Suit, since he serves as both a narrator and a part of Henry s consciousness, often talking to him and giving him advice in times of hardship. HENRY: All I know is they got nothing on me. Which character is the zootsuit leader of the 38th Street Gang, who is put on trial for a crime he did not commit, and was imprisoned, and based on a real life individual? []I speak as an actor on the stage.The Pachuco was existentialfor he was an Actor in the streetsboth profane and reverential. Your Honor? [7], Media coverage before and after the case sensationalized and further fanned the flames of hostile anti-Mexican sentiments in the city and abroad. Grown into a better character are dealing with a `` lively swing number '' by Pachuco... And Enrique protests development, and comprehensive. disappeared in the United States, discrimination against Chicanos rose after! 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