39 pages • 1 hour read
Francisco JiménezReaching Out
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2008A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Themes
Work Ethic and Self-Sacrifice
An outstanding characteristic of Frank and his family is their willingness to sacrifice themselves for a higher cause, which is in turn tied to their strong work ethic. Brought up in a world of physical labor, the Jiménez’ realize that one’s goals and dreams can only be achieved through hard work—whether it be the physically demanding work of picking cotton and fruit in fields, or dedicated study at school. By studying diligently, Frank achieves the academic distinction necessary to earn scholarships to attend college. He carries over the same habits of study in college, which in turn allows him to be nominated for the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, enabling him to attend graduate school.
In addition to working toward their own individual goals, the Jiménez’ also support each other through their hard work. Trampita takes Frank’s janitorial job upon his shoulders so that Frank can go to college. Later, Frank uses his earnings from on-campus jobs to help out his family back at home. The Jiménez family is a community of love and service in which each member looks out for the good of the other. Thus, Reaching Out teaches the lesson that hard work, carried out in a spirit of loving self-sacrifice, will allow you to achieve your goals and help those around you.
Faith
Frank and his family are characterized by their strong religious faith. Frank attends a Catholic college in which most of the instructors are priests. His coursework includes theology, philosophy, and the history of Christianity, subjects which Frank enjoys. He receives loving support, guidance, and sometimes material aid from his priestly mentors. Frank shows a strong personal faith by attending Mass and prayerfully meditating in the campus Mission Church.
Frank’s faith helps him through rough patches in his life, most notably his father’s departure to Mexico. In the wake of this tragedy, Frank visits with his spiritual advisor, Father O’Neill, who tells him that everything happens for a reason and we must have faith and trust in God. The Jiménez family take this to heart and persevere in hope that Mr. Jiménez will return. Mrs. Jiménez comments: “If we don’t have faith and hope, what do we have left?” (105). Frank’s desire to find answers in his life leads him to join Sodality, the fraternal organization on campus that aims to cultivate a Christian life of charity and social action.
Education
Reaching Out gives a strong sense of the value of education. It illustrates how education can expand the mind and lift one up intellectually, spiritually, socially, and economically. When Frank goes to college, his intellectual world expands as he studies subjects that are of interest to him. Frank declares before beginning his Western civilization course: “I liked history and was interested in learning more about the Greeks and the Romans and the Spanish explorers” (37). In taking courses in Latin American literature, Frank connects with and comes to a greater appreciation of his Spanish-speaking heritage. College education also expands Frank’s social world, allowing him to make new friends and meet a variety of different people, especially Laura, his soul mate. Later, Father Shanks advises Frank that in studying to become a teacher, he will be able to earn a better living and lift his family up economically. Already while still in college, Frank gets a variety of jobs that enlarge his knowledge and skills, such as working as a reader for Professor Hardman de Bautista. Thus, education is shown to have far-reaching consequences.
Yet the pursuit of education has at least one negative repercussion. When Frank returns home, his father becomes offended when Frank makes an offhand remark about Spanish grammar: “So, now you think you’re better than us because you are going to college?” (66). Thus, becoming educated has the potential to drive a wedge between Frank and his family. However, this represents a minor spat between Frank and his father that is soon smoothed over. Secondly, Frank’s family notices that he has put on weight—the result of eating a different diet and not engaging in physical labor.
Frank’s desire to become a teacher is inspired by the example of Mr. Lema, his kindly sixth-grade teacher who took him under his wing by tutoring him in English and teaching him to play the trumpet. The character of Mr. Lema continues the pattern of strong adult mentor-figures that runs throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of education in molding people’s lives and character.
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