The main contrast that Gary Soto presents between these two young Mexican American male characters is the choices they make about their adult lives. Growing up in the same environment in Fresno, the boys might have turned out exactly the same. Eddie proves more receptive to the possibilities of a different life outside their neighborhood. One key incident that changes their directions is the murder of Jesús, to which they react differently. Eddie is deeply disturbed by this loss; he not only rejects Angel’s suggestion of retribution, but is upset that Angel would be capable of such a crime. His interactions with Angel deteriorate into violent episodes. Angel remains stuck in a cycle of violence and gang activity, while Eddie decides to chart a new course: he enlists in the Navy.
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