The issue of immigration and American attitudes toward it are the subject of satire in the novel "Tortilla Curtain" by TC Boyle. Boyle uses sarcasm to attack what he sees as the self-centered nature of the American middle class and their naive view of the world. He laments how disconnected the United States seems from the problems of the rest of the world. The author's use of irony depicts a breakdown of human society fueled by fear and jealous materialism, but the continued interdependence of human beings is also depicted throughout the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe self-centered nature of modern American society is represented through Boyle's use of sarcasm. Celaney's character, who embodies liberal middle America, amplifies his own problems disproportionately. This is seen in the tone of disbelief when Delaney, a "liberal humanist with... a freshly polished Japanese car..." (p1) crashes into a Mexican. The tone shifts to annoyance as he asks, “Why did this have to happen to him?” (p6). Boyle's sarcastic tone when describing Delanye's problems clearly shows how Delaney bemoans his own problems while ignoring those of the Mexican. “Tortilla Curtain” portrays American society as desiring a secure view of the world. At several points in the novel, the liberal, middle-class residents of Arroyo Blanco avoid addressing complex social issues, as evidenced by Delaney's desperate enthusiasm for clear questions and morality: "It was what mattered. The principle… a problem as clear-cut as the on/off switch…” (p152). The simplicity of this vision reflects Boyle's belief that the world is actually very complex. The lack of moral direction behind the desire to see the world in simple terms is also suggested. This disconnect with reality can also be seen in Boyle's attack on the "intellectual" interests of the rich. Through ironic symbolism, Boyle denounces the wealthy as hypocritical and out of touch for their support of "liberal" views. An example is the coyote, a symbol of environmental conservation, but also allegorical of Mexican immigrants. It is ironic that Delaney, who is gradually becoming anti-immigration, says: "The coyote is not to blame... he is only... trying to make a living..." (p214). The reader is surprised to see how Delaney sympathizes with the wild coyote but cannot do the same with his fellow man. Satirical attacks on other liberal interests can also be seen in Delaney's meeting with Candido. Faced with a seriously injured Candido, Delaney is helpless. He can't even communicate since Candido speaks Spanish, something to which Delaney's "...four years of French high school..." gives him "...little access." (p8) The irony that American schools would teach French, widely considered the language of sophistication, but not Spanish, is not lost on Boyle who uses it to reflect the lack of interest in the America for Mexico and its problems. This satire of the liberal middle class can be seen as part of Boyle's commentary on trends in modern society and the persistence of cultural barriers and prejudices. The novel expresses Boyle's concern with the increasing disconnection and fragmentation of community in modern society. Affluent residents of Arroyo Blanco are often distrustful of society because they jealously guard their wealth. The irony of their fears and actions can be seen when..