Question

Though the novel opens with a literal collision, it depicts a number of figurative collisions as well--cultural, racial, natural, familial, marital, and others. Describe some of these collisions, and discuss why they happen.

Answer 1

This question seems to be incomplete. However, there is enough information to find the right answer.

Answer:

The main "collision" in this story is driven by racial discrimination, portrayed by the unexpected bigotry that slowly surfaces in Delaney´s actions. He who has begun denouncing his neighbors' racist ideas ends up revealing his perception of Mexican immigrants as disruptive to his way of life.

There are also several examples of figurative collisions that represent gender biases and violence against women, such as America being assaulted by José Navidad, which is not only a perceived fear but an acute possibility for women regardless of their social status. At the same time, America suffers abuse from Cándido, because all his frustration and anger can not be thrown back at those who do him wrong, so violence against his wife is an easy way to release that anger.

Explanation:

The question refers to "The Tortilla Curtain," by T. Coraghessan Boyle which begins with Delaney and Kyra, a white man from a wealthy neighborhood, hitting Cándido, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, with his car.