Breaking Through

Papa’s depression worsens with the arrival of autumn: job availability diminishes and his chronic back pain deters him from working much at all. His inability to make timely bill payments infuriates and shames him further, and he exclaims that “It’s a disgrace not paying the rent on time” (83). Roberto, as the oldest son, feels the need to make up his father’s lost income for the family and finds weekend work at Santa Maria Window Cleaners. The owner agrees to allow Francisco to help his brother, with the understanding that he may be paid for his work after he has proven his competence. After a month, the owner, Mike Nevel, is so pleased with the boys’ work that he agrees to hire Francisco, as well, for “[…] a buck an hour” (87).

While Papa is initially pleased with the prospect of extra income for the family, his illness has left him insecure and unsure of his patriarchal status within the family. When the brothers arrive home from a dance a few minutes late, he is infuriated with them. Francisco, recalling the argument depicted between the American father and son in the film shown in social studies class, respectfully notes that they were not very late.