House of the Scorpion - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - The Little House in the Poppy Fields

The clone is now six years old and named Matt. Celia is his caregiver. He must stay home by himself, but he’s very curious of the children in the fields. Only connection to the outside world besides Celia is television and a doctor who visits once a month. Food is left for him. Matt is depressed, angry and sad. One day, some kids see him in the house. They are the children of the Alcaran (own the fields) and Mendoza (U.S. Senator) families. Steven and Emilia try to get Matt’s attention.

1. Create a bubble map to describe Celia.
   


2. Create a bubble map to describe Matt.
   


3. What do you think mi vida means? Why is it significant that Celia calls Matt this.
   


4. Create a circle map to brainstorm about what was found in Matt’s home (i.e. his
   toys, his room, furniture, food, entertainment, etc.).
   


5. Besides Celia, what is Matt’s only connection to the outside world?
   


6. What did Matt see & hear outside the house one day when Celia was at work?
   What was his reaction?
   


7. What didn’t Celia want Matt to call her? Why?
   


8. Why did Matt have trouble understanding the word “loaned.”