The House of the Scorpion

by

Nancy Farmer

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The House of the Scorpion makes teaching easy.

Raúl Character Analysis

Raúl is the first Keeper Matt meets over the border in Aztlán. Raúl supervises the Lost Boys, the orphans who lost their parents to the Farm Patrol. He repeats the Keepers’ dogma about everyone working hard to contribute to the general good of society, however Matt never sees Raúl doing any actual work himself. Thus, Raúl shows the hypocrisy of the Keeper’s corrupt collectivist system.
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Raúl Character Timeline in The House of the Scorpion

The timeline below shows where the character Raúl appears in The House of the Scorpion. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 26: The Lost Boys
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
Matt tells the agent named Raúl that he needs to get to San Luis to see his friend. Raúl asks Matt... (full context)
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
In the morning, Raúl leads Matt to a large room where other guards are watching pictures play on the... (full context)
Free Will vs. Predetermination Theme Icon
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
Raúl takes Matt to a room where many boys sit at tables working. Matt worries the... (full context)
Free Will vs. Predetermination Theme Icon
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
Raúl leaves and Matt wonders why the man locks the door and refers to himself as... (full context)
Chapter 27: A Five-Legged Horse
Free Will vs. Predetermination Theme Icon
Scientific Ethics and Abuse Theme Icon
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
Raúl comes in to tell the boys a bedtime story about a five-legged horse. The horse’s... (full context)
Free Will vs. Predetermination Theme Icon
Language, Law, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
After Raúl leaves, all the boys congratulate Matt on his bravery in standing up to the Keepers.... (full context)
Chapter 28: The Plankton Factory
Free Will vs. Predetermination Theme Icon
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
The next morning, Raúl gives a speech to the Lost Boys about how aristocrats may seem attractive, but they... (full context)
Language, Law, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Abuse of Power and Corruption Theme Icon
Raúl gathers Chacho, Fidelito, and Matt to go to San Luis. He tells them the work... (full context)