The House of Broken Angels

In this novel, Urrea depicts family as both cruel and loving. How are these dynamics represented? Choose one moment in which this dichotomy is present and analyze the impact of these contradictions on the characters involved.

What does whiteness mean for the characters in the novel? How is it represented, and what is the impact of that representation?

Though this novel focuses on the role men play in family life, the women in the novel play a pivotal role in maintaining the family. How does Urrea challenge and play into patriarchal family dynamics?

What is the symbolic significance of Ookie? What role does he play in the characterization of Big Angel?

Death looms over the characters in The House of Broken Angels, which begins and ends with a funeral. How does Urrea portray death? What symbols does he use to foreshadow Big Angel’s death?

What do the characters in this novel learn about fatherhood? How do they perpetuate and challenge ideas of fatherhood in their own lives?

How is the idea of forgiveness symbolized by El Yndio’s final moments in the novel? What is the meaning behind his tattoo?

This novel takes place on the border and moves between Mexico and California. What does the border symbolize for the de la Cruz family?