Analysis: Pocho

            The Rubio family in Jose Antonio Villareal’s Novel Pocho, immigrates from Mexico to California in 1923 after the death of Poncho Villa.  As they settle in Santa Clara, CA, among an eclectic community of other immigrants and laborers, the family encounters many challenges.  While the family clings to traditional values and roles to keep in touch with their Mexican roots and culture Richard, the only son, often finds himself stuck between two cultures, questioning which to follow.  The family faces conflicts whilst balancing between two cultures, navigating new social norms, and clinging to the traditional values of their culture.

            The story begins with Juan Rubio, the patriarch, at the end of the Mexican Revolution.  Juan exemplifies the typical rough riding, solitary revolutionary fighter; assured of himself and his ability to walk away from fierce battles, he does not hesitate to put himself into situations where he alone is responsible for his own survival, “I follow but one man, and after him, no one” (23).  Juan Rubio appears as an almost mythical illustration of traditional Mexican. His reputation as a storied General alongside Poncho Villa in the Mexican Revolution further solidifies him as a self-made hero of sorts and affords him a way out of punishment after killing a man in a bar (6).

            Richard Rubio, the only son among eight sisters, is a sensitive young man who often questions the status quo of his family culture.  Richard does not feel that he is Mexican, yet he does not feel he is fully American either, he is often conflicted by both.  As a young boy, walking home from confession, he looks a small picture frame of the Virgin Mary given to him as recognition for being the first his age to learn his catechism, and begins reflecting upon his belief in God. At this time, in the Catholic Church, members still relied heavily on the Priest for biblical interpretation, many did not own or read the bible regularly – they were taught to listen to the Priest, follow the catechism rules, participate in the rituals of confession and holy communion.  When Richards asks questions about Faith and God, he is admonished by his mother and the Priest for asking such questions and told he should just believe. His mother admonishes his questioning, “you are blasphemous, and you still want to learn more to be blasphemous still – if that is possible” (64).  Richard, still looking for answers, finds a Bible in the local dump, brings it home and hides the book to read it covertly.  Richard does not just accept and follow rules without knowing why, however he realizes that his parents do, “and it occurred to him that his mother always followed the rules and never asked why of them” (62).

            After his parents have an argument, his father leaves the house.  Richard and his mother have a discussion regarding the rights of women in America versus women in Mexico.  He becomes disillusioned as his mother asks him to report back to her regarding his father’s behavior, he questions her as to her role as a good Mexican wife, who should accept her husband’s decisions and behavior in all things.  During this conversation, he finds himself again at odds with Mexican culture and American. He understands his role as a good Mexican son; however he does not agree with that role. This is the first time Richard realizes he no longer a true Mexican, “he could never use the right he had as a male to tell his mother that she was wrong” (95).  He pledges to himself to no longer involve himself in issues between his parents.

            Richard discusses his future with his mother.  His father has often told him of his wish that one day Richard would return to Mexico to attend college and become a lawyer or a doctor; Richard is not interested in pursuing his father’s dream, instead he has dreams of his own. His mother tells him that he will have responsibilities to the family as the only son and will not be able to pursue his dreams.  During this conversation, she refers to American as being his country, and Mexico as being hers (62).  She also tells him that she cannot speak to him in his language – essentially, she is referring to English; however, she also means that she cannot speak to him of the things he wishes to speak of because she does not understand (61).  His mother knows that Richard is different and has goals and desires, and she is ashamed she cannot help him.

            As Richard approaches adulthood, is faced with supporting his mother and sisters after his father leaves the family permanently. Desperate to be on his own, Richard chooses to join the Navy and deploys for WWII.  He will still be able to send money home to support the family whilst living his own life on his own terms.  This is a true cutting the umbilical cord for Richard as he knows he will never return to his family.  Much like he has lost his Mexican culture, he has also lost his family, however he has gained his freedom and a new life. 

 

 

Works Cited

Villarreal, Jose Antonio. Pocho. Random House, Inc., 1970.