Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Into the Beautiful North, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Borders and Ownership
Racism
Disillusionment and Idealization
Male vs. Female Heroism
Female Friendship vs. Romance
Summary
Analysis
Back in San Diego, Chava polishes his shoes and dresses nicely. He feels confident as he drives to Irma's hotel but starts feeling shaky when he pulls into the parking lot. He tries to walk into the hotel as though he's still a young man, and the actual young man at the front desk gives him Irma's room number. Suddenly, Chava is terrified. When he reaches Irma's floor, he tiptoes towards her room and imagines running away. As he prepares to knock, Atómiko bursts out of Irma's door and heads down the hallway.
Chava's fear is, again, indicative of how much power Irma has and the kind of respect she inspires in others. His reaction also shows that she's been this way for a long time, given that Chava hasn't seen her in more than forty years. This continues to develop the idea that female strength and power are somewhat inherent.
Themes
Chava hears Irma call him from inside, and he retreats to the elevator. Atómiko sends Chava back towards Irma's room before getting into the elevator. Irma yells again, and Chava turns to see her standing in the doorway. She looks magnificent and blushes when their eyes meet. He greets her by calling her his love, and she rushes into the room. Chava follows her.
When Irma so readily accepts Chava back into her life, it shows that she is just as human and desirous of love as anyone else, despite her tough image.
Themes
