Question

Why does Soto most likely open the story with this characterization of Alfonso? to establish the idea that Alfonso cares a lot about how other people see him to show that Alfonso has an unrealistic view of what makes people beautiful to establish the idea that Alfonso is often in conflict with the people around him to show that Alfonso has to work hard to look as good as other people do.

Answer 1

Answer:

To establish the idea that Alfonso cares a lot about how other people see him.

Explanation:

Gary Soto's short story "Broken Chain" tells the story of how a young boy's desire to look handsome and impressing girls consume him into believing he needed to be physically handsome. This story reflects the theme that true beauty is found in the inside, and outside appearances are not worthy to judge an individual's beauty.

The author Gary Soto most likely open the story with the character of Alfonso to establish the idea that Alfonso cares about his appearance and how people will perceive him to be. This is in support of the overall theme that is found throughout the story. The theme of physical beauty is foremost in the development of the story, leading the protagonist to try all means to appear 'presentable' in the eyes of others.