Tropic of Orange

Arcangel and Buzzworm are “angelic” characters. Compare their significance to their communities, or to the communities that their plots intersect with. How are they similar? How are they different?

Gabriel is a second-generation Mexican American whose romantic ideals almost fetishize Mexico. How does his disconnect from his culture impact his plot arc?

The climax of Arcangel’s, Rafaela’s, and Bobby’s plot arcs occurs at the wrestling match between SUPERNAFTA and El Gran Mojado at the Pacific Rim Stadium in Los Angeles. What is the significance of this match? Why is it important enough to distort the very geography of the North and South?

Emi’s perspective of the world is influenced by her consumption of media. What role does media play in Tropic of Orange? How does it influence the events surrounding the Harbor Freeway encampment of unhoused people?

Consider how Manzanar Murakami’s conducting influences those around him. What do his symphonies represent? What does it signify when others begin conducting along with him?

Gabriel never fully uncovers the root of the child organ trafficking subplot. However, it impacts several characters, especially Rafaela. What is the significance of this subplot to the novel? How does it relate to relations between the US and Mexico?

The characters in Tropic of Orange are connected in a complicated web of relationships and circumstances. Analyze how each of the seven main characters are related to the others. Which relationships drive the plot of the novel? Why?

What elements of the novel can be counted as magical realism? Why are these instances portrayed as fantastical? What would be different if the author only used realism?