The Shaping of a Woman’s Success

The brilliantly written novel The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle recounts the story of two couples in the United States both pursuing their idea of the American dream. The first couple, Delaney and Kyra are a modern, middle class pair. Candido and America, the second couple, are illegal immigrants from Mexico. Although it seems difficult to see what these four people might have in common, there are several similar characteristics observable in the women, in spite of their differing situations. Most women highly value safety, independence, and personal space; these women are no different. Throughout the novel as Boyle develops the characters, it becomes evident how each woman’s culture and husband shapes the way these values are expressed and manifested in their lives through their work ethic. It ultimately determines how successful they become.
The first couple introduced in the story are Delaney and Kyra Mossbacher. They seem to have the perfect modern relationship with...