Raúl Character Analysis in The House of the Scorpion

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.

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.

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)

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

Raúl takes Matt to a room where many boys sit at tables working. Matt worries the... (full context)

Raúl leaves and Matt wonders why the man locks the door and refers to himself as... (full context)

Raúl comes in to tell the boys a bedtime story about a five-legged horse. The horse’s... (full context)

Language, Law, and Dehumanization Theme Icon

After Raúl leaves, all the boys congratulate Matt on his bravery in standing up to the Keepers.... (full context)

The next morning, Raúl gives a speech to the Lost Boys about how aristocrats may seem attractive, but they... (full context)

Raúl gathers Chacho, Fidelito, and Matt to go to San Luis. He tells them the work... (full context)