Cedro V.

Feliciano

In the novel, Carlos’ father is a figure that can be described as hardworking, firm, with a

deep sense of stoicism within himself. His father points to a degree of integrity not just in

himself but also to others as well; never judging based on their looks or how it might

seem and more through their actions and intent. His father was, what one would call, a

“salt of the earth” kind of person. This is easily shown in the quote as “But my father

believed in the eternal goodness of man, and only once did he almost give up his faith.

Even when the usurers were closing in on us, he did not believe that he would be

cheated.”

He was an honest and just figure. As evident in his son Carlos’ statement on him: “He

was an honest, simple man, who went about his work hoping for an ample reward at the

end.” This points to a degree of how the core of his father was as a good person. These

kinds of qualities bring out a broader picture on the general temperament of his father as

a working-class citizen. This would then raise the question of whether these traits that are

exclusive to Carlos’ father are meant to be a liability or to be a benefit for social mobility.

I would say that these traits and qualities of Carlos’ father make up the core onus of that

social mobility as it is these things that are required for a citizen of a country to

contribute, and which that country gives back.

There is a give and take between those that strive to work hard not just for the betterment

and improvement of their lives and their families, but also to work towards a central goal
in a new land or environment where one is truly free. These metrics help establish a

cultural and social identity within small communities that gradually transforms into a

national identity as the people work because they believe in the nation they inhabit and it

is up to that nation to give back to these communities that work hard and sacrifice so

much because of what they are willing to give for this new land.