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The “Patriotic” Policeman
A coyote who works for Mr. Aitch and/or Mr. Q and facilitates Makina’s crossing into the United States. He helps her across the river that forms the official border before driving her through the desert and fighting off the anglo rancher long enough for her to escape. He appears to get arrested or shot during this altercation, but he shows up again in the novel’s last chapter, when he takes Makina to the door that leads to the mysterious underground world where the novel ends. Strapping, jovial, and chivalrous, Chucho might be a stereotypical male hero in any other story. But in the feminist narrative of the story, he is merely the journey’s handmaiden: he specifically represents Xolotl, the god who takes the form of a dog and guides souls to the underworld (Mictlán) in many Indigenous Mexican religious traditions. Indeed, “Chucho” is a slang term for a dog—but also a nickname for someone named “Jesús,” which points to the hybrid symbolism of his role as Makina’s guide through the afterlife.
Chucho Quotes in Signs Preceding the End of the World
The Signs Preceding the End of the World quotes below are all either spoken by Chucho or refer to Chucho. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 3
Quotes
You just took your last trip, coyote.
I’m no coyote, Chucho said.
Ha! I seen you crossing folks, the man said. And looks like now I caught you in the act.
Not the act I’m denying, said Chucho, tho I’m no coyote.
The anglo’s expression indicated that he was engaged in a mighty struggle with the nuances of the concept. He scanned Chucho’s face for a few seconds, waiting for clarification. And now, yessir, chose to point the gun at them.
What I’m denying, Chucho went on, Is that you caught us.
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Chapter 9
Quotes
Over the door was a sign that said Verse. She tried to remember how to say verse in any of her tongues but couldn’t. This was the only word that came to her lips. Verse.
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Chucho Quotes in Signs Preceding the End of the World
The Signs Preceding the End of the World quotes below are all either spoken by Chucho or refer to Chucho. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 3
Quotes
You just took your last trip, coyote.
I’m no coyote, Chucho said.
Ha! I seen you crossing folks, the man said. And looks like now I caught you in the act.
Not the act I’m denying, said Chucho, tho I’m no coyote.
The anglo’s expression indicated that he was engaged in a mighty struggle with the nuances of the concept. He scanned Chucho’s face for a few seconds, waiting for clarification. And now, yessir, chose to point the gun at them.
What I’m denying, Chucho went on, Is that you caught us.
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Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 9
Quotes
Over the door was a sign that said Verse. She tried to remember how to say verse in any of her tongues but couldn’t. This was the only word that came to her lips. Verse.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
