Solitary [ Scene 5 ]

When it comes to the play Zoot Suit Act 2 Scene 5 overall it was very interesting, due to the fact that the character Henry showed us as readers a softer side to him that really wasn't showed throughout the play in itself. Whether or not he would ever get out of jail, as well as wondering why he was even in there in the first place. As well as wondering if seeing his family would ever happen again. Basically, Henry was on a level more in depth within himself while he had high hopes of getting out, eventually things would get better for him, but Pachuco's negative attitude made Henry second guess.


Pachuco:

Not to expect justice when it isn't there.
No court in the land's going to set you free.
Learn to protect your loves by binding them
in hate ese! Stop hanging on to false hopes.
The moment those hopes come crashing down,
you'll find yourself on the ground foaming at
he mouth. (page 78)


During Henry and Pachuco's conversation Pachuco says this to Henry telling him to stop holding on to these false hopes on getting out of jail. The fact of there being no justice, there is no use of expecting justice when in jail or even in the courts. Not only that but, to just protect your family by not talking to them, loose contact. Holding on to false hopes gets one no where. Furthermore holding on to hopes that are false, when it comes to the end where hoping is no more, these hopes start to fade and come crashing down bringing nothing but pain, tears and more. This quote is important because it shows how Henry develops sensitivity of his character. It allows me to connect with him on a more personal level being that he has another side to him.



Question: Do you think Henry's reaction to Pachuco at the end of the scene when he blew him off by saying "Don't tell me anymore. i don't need you to tell me what to do. Fuck Off! Fuck Off!" (Pg 78) made him realize that Pachuco could be right about the whole situation, and didn't want to admit it?