What is theme of the story fireworks by H.O SANTOS?

Answer 1

The narrator in Fireworks is traveling by car to San Felipe, California with his girlfriend, Barbara. They got along well most of the time, but had differing opinions on Immigration. Barbara was all for immigration, legal or otherwise. Tony was only for legal immigration, as he was a Filipino immigrant. Once they reached San Felipe, they went to their favorite campground and got a cabana. Around lunchtime, a beautiful young girl named Lita came around selling tamales. They talked awhile and when Tony found out she was a Filipino they invited her back for dinner. Later that day, Tony bought fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. After dinner, Lita began telling them how she came to arrive in San Felipe. She paid passage to come to America illegally, and was dumped off the ship into a life-boat and had to paddle ashore, landing near Baja, California. She was taken in by a kind family, who then took her to live with their relatives in San Felipe. Suddenly, Lita asked if she could come back to LA with them. She didn't think they would question her at the border because she wasn't Mexican. Tony was absolutely against the idea, but Barbara was all for it. Lita went home and Tony and Barbara got into a very heated argument. Leaving the next morning, Tony saw the little shack where Lita lived and had second thoughts, not sure if he was sorry for Lita or afraid of losing Barbara. They began the trip back to LA with Lita. Tony, disgusted with himself for the choice he made, once across the border, stopped off in San Diego, and left the girls and took the Amtrak train home.

Answer 2

The theme of the story "Fireworks" by H.O. Santos revolves around the complexities of family relationships, particularly between a mother and daughter. It explores themes of intergenerational conflict, cultural expectations, and the challenges of communication and understanding between family members. The story delves into the emotional dynamics within families and the impact of past experiences on present interactions.