A Place to Stand

Before Baca becomes literate, his experience with books has been negative. He encounters books at school, a place where he feels left out. When he runs afoul of the law, law books are used to punish him. Since he views books as objects capable of inflicting harm, it is only natural that he would use books in the same way. After he is imprisoned, he carries on a flirtation with a young clerk. Because he likes her, Baca is particularly distressed to see her mistreat a fellow inmate. Baca takes one of her college books, objects that he knows are capable of hurt, as revenge for her actions.

After Baca begins to read and write, the power of books gradually unfolds before him. He discovers poetry in a book containing the works of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Other writers send him books, and soon his desire for books becomes nearly unquenchable because Baca now views books in a positive light.

Baca has a visceral reaction to boxes. He remembers children at Saint Anthony’s orphanage coming and going with boxes, and boxes also remind him of the fact that he has never had a permanent home. Even in prison, Baca is anxious when he must move from his cell, another temporary residence.