Grades
Ricky asks her, “So you get straight A’s or what?...Oh no, did you get a B in something?” His remarks confirm that he ascribes momentous importance to grades. According to Ricky, grades are the clear signs of a student’s accomplishment. Evidently, he anticipates seeing A’s only. His disapproval of B affirms that he would be disenchanted if Lizet were to score a B.
Crying
Lizet expounds, “ The uncle stopped speaking and was also crying- or as close to crying as he would allow, his face suddenly red and blustery.” Sobbing is attributed to the court’s resolution regarding Ariel’s situation and prospects of his asylum. The adverse ruling elicits the uncle’s desperation. Evidently, the uncle is emotional and compassionate towards Ariel.
Sacrifice
Lizet asserts, “Ariel’s’ mother died to get him here…His mother drowned to get him here. That doesn’t mean anything to you? That sacrifice?” The mother’s passing is a detriment which she sustains to upsurge the son’s probabilities of grasping the American dream. Her existence is an opportunity cost for Ariel’s visions and superior life.
