Barrio Boy Setting & Symbolism

Barrio Boy Objects/Places

Jalcocotbn

Jalcocotbn is the mountain village where Ernie is born and lives out his early years. It is located in the mountains of the Sierra Madre de Nayarit and reachable only by way of steep, rocky trails. On the backside of Jalcocotbn, called Jalco for short, is a forest, which provides the villagers sustenance by way of hunting and farming. The village is simply laid out, consisting of one main, dirt road, lined with adobe cottages on either side.

Much of Part One deals with describing the main physical and cultural aspects of Jalco. Because this is where Ernie's life begins, the village is his main point of reference throughout the story. Even long after Ernie has left Jalco, he is clearly reminded of his times in the village by the scent of his mother's cedar box. More importantly, his experiences in Jalco form the basis of his opinions about certain...
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