The Tortilla Curtain Lesson Plan

Why does Cándido jump the wall of Arroyo Blanco? What does he plan to do?

After their campsite in the canyon is destroyed in the fire, and América gives birth to Socorro in the toolshed, Cándido knows he must make them a new home to try to salvage a life for himself and América and their new daughter. He isn't sure what to do, since they have no money and all of their possessions are trapped in the Canyon.

Although it is against his morals to do so, because he swore to himself that he would never steal from anyone, he realizes that his situation is desperate. He hops over the wall of Arroyo Blanco and, while everyone is still evacuated, takes...