"The Circuit" Study Guide

Describe the Basic Situation

A migrant family is trying to make a living by working on farms and having to move from farm to farm every season.

Why do you think Jiménez ends the story so abruptly? Do you think this is an effective choice? Why or why not?

I think Jimenez ends this story so abruptly because he wants to leave us readers in suspense for how Panchito will react to moving again. I think this wasn't an effective choice because he should at least tell us how Panchito will react. I believe the author made a good choice of adding that part at the end because it helps us show the struggles his family is going through, but he should've continued on the thought of move.

How do you think Panchito will cope with having to move yet again?

I think Panchito, having to move again, will make him sad because he was finally able to go to school and his teacher was helping him out a lot. Panchito was sad when he had to move the first time because he was used to the place he was working at and liked where he lived. He finally got to go to school and connected with someone, but once again they have to move.

How would you describe the overall mood of "The Circuit?" Provide evidence.

I think the overall mood of "The Circuit" is serious because they are always working, as seen here, "twelve hours a day, every day, seven days a week, week after week" (Jimenez 69).

The narrator describes two settings in detail—the old garage the family lives in and Mr. Sullivan's vineyards. How would you describe the tone of these descriptions? How would the meaning of the story change if the writer chose a different tone?

I would describe the tone of the old garage as a sympathetic tone. The garage is described as worn out with holes in the wall and a ton of dirt and worms. The tone used to describe the vineyard was similar. It was very hot there. If the tone was changed, the story wouldn't have been as sorrowful.

Complete this time line to illustrate the development of the plot. State what happens to Panchito at each point in the time line.

In July-June the family is on the strawberry farm. The family moves out to the vineyard during the last days of August. In November, Panchito is able to go back to school, but when December comes he leaves the vineyard.

Who are the main characters in "The Circuit?"

Panchito (the narrator) Roberto, Mr. Lema, Papa, and Mr. Sullivan.

Describe the climax

Panchito comes home and is really excited to learn how to play the trumpet.

Why does the narrator, Panchito, consider Mr. Lema his best friend?

Panchito considers Mr. Lema his best friend because he was very helpful and supportive to him. Mr. Lema would help him with English at lunch and help him play an instrument.

Describe the internal conflict

Panchito is feeling sad and upset because his family has to constantly move.

What difficulties faced by migrant parents and their children does the text address? Support your answer with specific details from "The Circuit."

The difficulties about migrant parents and their children that the story addresses is that everyone in the family has to work hard and not go to school. Another difficulties is that the families is getting paid very little, but that have to do the job to make some kind of profit. They have to constantly move and their living situation are bad.

What are customs followed by the characters in "The Circuit"

The characters in "The Circuit" have to move every crop season so they can find new jobs and make money. Where they live and what they do -their life- is based on where and when they find work.

Why does the family leave the shack near Ito's farm?

The family leaves the shack near Ito's farm because the strawberry season was over, so they couldn't work on the farm anymore.

What are the family's new living conditions?

The family's new living conditions weren't very good. The place they were staying at was very worn out and dirty. There were no windows, the walls were eaten by termites, and there were holes in the ceiling.

Describe the complications

The first time they asked for jobs, the people said no. Panchito has trouble speaking, reading, and writing in English. He has trouble making friends. Having to work at in the hot vineyards. Panchito has to avoid the school bus. The living situation when they get to the vineyard is poor.

Overall tone of "Yes it was that time of year. When I opened the front door to the shack, ..."

The language the author uses conveys an annoyed and sad tone. When he is saying this it sounds as if he was annoyed that it was that time of year again.

The original title of this short story was "Cajas de Carton." What is the significance of this title to the story?

The original title is significant because it symbolizes the family having to move all of the time. Whenever the family moves they always have to get out the cardboard boxes and pack them. Seeing the cardboard boxes always brings tears to Panchito's eyes and causes him to be sad again.

What relevance does the title have to the events in the story?

The relevance of the title to this story is that the title, "The Circuit" is resembling their family having to move round every season. A circuit is usually a course that goes in a circle and starts and ends in the same place. That is relevant to what the family has to do. They move in a route according to the season, going from farm to farm to work.

What does the setting of this story tell you about the customs, foods, activities, clothing, and lifestyle of a migrant worker?

The setting of the story tells us that a migrant workers are always moving from place to place. The setting changes from the strawberry farms to Fresno. They are used to working on the farms and settling in different places every season.

Jimenez changed the title of the story to "The Circuit" when he translated his story into English. What is the significance of the translated title to the story?

The significance of the translated title is showing that the family has to continue in a cycle, moving from farm to farm every single season. Panchito says, "It was that time of year again." This is hinting us that they are always moving and will keep moving. The family is completing their circuit every year, by going from farm to farm, then returning back to the same farm when the year is over.

"I thought they were happy to see me, but when I opened the door to our shack, I saw that everything we owned was neatly packed in cardboard boxes" (Jimenez 74).

The tone here is bitter because earlier in the story it says, "Everything we owned was neatly packed in cardboard boxes... brought tears to my eyes." and when this quote is repeated almost word for word, it shows the audience how sad Panchito must feel again (Jimenez 70).

"I noticed Papa's face turn pale as he looked down the road. 'Here comes the school bus,' he whispered loudly in alarm" (Jimenez 72).

The tone here is fearful and panicky because the author says that Papa's face turned pale, showing he was scared, and that when Papa spoke there was alarm in his voice, showing he was flustered from the situation. ✓

"A few minutes later, the screaming and yelling of my little brothers and sisters... broke the silence of dawn" (Jimenez 70).

The tone of this situation is exciting because Panchito's little brothers were very excited, hence the screaming and yelling. They were the only ones who were excited, so they were able to break the silence.

Describe the resolution

Too bad, Panchito and his family have to move again

What is the setting of "The Circuit?"

strawberry farms, and their shack they live in. The setting then changes to the garage they live in and Mr. Sullivan's vineyard. The setting is also at the school when Panchito goes to school.

Describe the external conflict

the family having to work and move from place to place.