In the sixth chapter of Enrique's Journey, Enrique finally arrives at his mother's trailer. The two clash and argue with each other, but forgive each other after a while. At the end of this chapter, it is revealed to the reader that Maria Isabel, Enrique's girlfriend in Honduras, is indeed pregnant, and gives birth to a daughter. The following quotation describes the events that occur after the baby is born: "She and Enrique name the baby Katerin Jasmin. The baby looks like him. She has his mouth, his nose, his eyes. An aunt urges Maria Isabel to go to the United States, alone. The aunt promises to take care of the baby. 'If I have the opportunity, I'll go,' Maria Isabel says. 'I'll leave my baby behind.' Enrique agrees. 'We'll have to leave the baby behind' (Nazario 196).
The moment I finished reading that passage, I immediately thought to myself, What was Enrique thinking? I wondered how he could so easily agree to leaving his own child behind, especially since the same was done to him years before. The author gave multiple, detailed descriptions of Enrique's problems earlier in the book, especially when he started doing drugs. Nazario also points out later on that many deserted children who journey to the United States have an idealized perception of their mothers. When those who survive reach their journey's end and locate their mothers, however, many begin to grow feelings of discomfort towards them, sometimes even resentment. In the years following his mother's desertion, Enrique learns much about the pain that comes from being left behind. After pondering his decision for a while, I was able to come up with a few reasons behind Enrique's decision to abandon his daughter. I believe that one reason why Enrique chooses to leave his daughter behind in Honduras is because he knows about the struggles and hazards migrant children face when attempting to reunite with their mothers. Since Enrique has experienced the pain and fear of his own journey to America, I believe that he is trying to spare his child from the horrors that are visited upon migrant children, especially girls. Another reason that I believe supports his decision is that even though his daughter might not get to live with either of her parents, at least she would be cared for by someone, which is more than can be said about many children in Honduras.
In closing, I would like to ask you what you think about Enrique's decision. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
The same thought ran through my head when I read that passage! I found it unbelievable that, after being left behind himself, Enrique chose the same fate for his own child! I do agree with your ideas, however, on why Enrique made this decision. He knows how dangerous the trip to America is, and how expensive and unreliable smugglers can be. Overall, though, I find his decision hypocritical, for he is encouraging that which he has openly disagreed with. I have to disagree with his decision for this reason.
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