Blog Post #5 - Emiola

Matt vs. Vincent: Genetically Modification

There are clear similarities between Matt and Vincent, such as how they are treated due to them being different from everyone around them. Matt isn't taken as a person because he was born through a cow, he is constantly called livestock closer to the beginning of the book. Vincent isn't taken as a person either because he isn't normal, or should I say highly advanced like everyone else. Their generation of normal is genetically modified children, Vincent is only expected to live 30.2 years. 

 

Matt has to deal with the consecutive reminders that he is not "human" and that he is different, and always will be. Matt seemed to be compared with Tom. Tom was one of his fierce competitors during the middle of the book because of Maria; liked by both Tom and Matt. Other than the time at the end of the book when Matt realizes that he really is special, he is intelligent, plays the piano, has a mind set. As well, he is able to survive running away from the great El Patron. Esperanza shows Matt that he is more than just a "clone", in fact he is human. Vincent also has to deal with the thought that he isn't "normal" all the time. This would be immensely hard for him because of his "perfect" and "tremendous" brother, Anton. It seemed like Vincent was always second place to his brother whenever they competed, like when they played chicken when they were smaller, which continued when they became older. 

Why did they do this to prove they're human? I believe this may have been because they wanted to have a higher purpose in life. I think that was another struggle for Matt. It seemed like Tom, El Patron, and the Keepers weren't his only struggle; it was generally life as whole. Through trying all these ways to change himself, he believed that he would be treated differently but that didn't happen. In addition, Vincent faked his way to his dream job by using another identity. He had to follow through with his lie! He had to continuously shave his skin off, and take blood samples for the scan. Matt and Vincent did a lot of extra work so that they could truly be acce-ted, as genetically modified and natural. 

If I were to decide what the theme was for House of the Scorpion was, I would have said love conquers all. However, now I believe the theme has struck out to be never underestimate yourself. Life brings its challenges but always believe in yourself. Or another theme is that everyone deserves a chance.