Gumecindo Character Analysis in Under the Feet of Jesus

Alejo’s cousin, with whom he has traveled from Texas to work in the fields. While Alejo is decisive and spontaneous – electing to clandestinely harvest peaches and pursuing Estrella determinedly – Gumecindo nervously follows his cousin’s lead. After Alejo becomes sick from his encounter with the pesticides, Gumecindo doesn’t know how to care for him and relinquishes the responsibility to Estrella and Petra while he returns to his hometown.

Gumecindo Character Timeline in Under the Feet of Jesus

The timeline below shows where the character Gumecindo appears in Under the Feet of Jesus. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Consumerism and Environmental Destruction Theme Icon

From a nearby peach tree, Alejo sees the car coming and warns his cousin, Gumecindo, to be quiet. He’s been taking advantage of the sunset to pick peaches and hand... (full context)

...the peach orchard, Alejo reassures his cousin that the strange noise is just cats fighting. Gumecindo is frightened and pleads with Alejo to leave; he thinks the wailing comes from La... (full context)

In the present, Alejo and Gumecindo are sneaking past the barn when they see a small child playing near it. Gumecindo... (full context)

By this time in the present, Gumecindo is desperate to go home, especially since he knows they could be fired for being... (full context)

While waiting for Alejo near the trucks the next day, Gumecindo chats with another piscador, introducing himself. Impatient, the driver almost leaves without Alejo, and two... (full context)

...is high up in a peach tree when he sees the biplane overhead. Yelling for Gumecindo to run, he struggles down from the tree but gets caught in the white mist.... (full context)

Alejo is battered and sick the next day, but with Gumecindo’s help he boards the truck to go to work. Everyone stares at him and Estrella... (full context)

...of the other piscadores diagnoses him with “daño of the fields,” a very serious illness. Gumecindo consults with Perfecto and Petra; it’s time for them to take the bus back to... (full context)

In the end, Gumecindo and Perfecto carry Alejo to the bungalow and lay him in a makeshift bed. Previously,... (full context)

...not their responsibility to take him to the hospital. Estrella angrily reminds her mother that Gumecindo has gone back to Texas; there is no one except them to take him. Petra... (full context)