Under The Feet Of Jesus

Rather than breaking up Under the Feet of Jesus into many chapters, Viramontes divides the story into five relatively long sections. What is the effect of framing the story this way (hint: you may want to think about the five-act structure many plays use)?

As the novel concludes, it’s unclear whether or not Alejo will survive. Why do you think Viramontes chose to end on this ambiguous note? Is there anything earlier in the novel that foreshadows his ultimate fate?

Discuss the role religion and religious imagery plays in the novel. What attitude does Viramontes ultimately seem to have towards Christianity, and why?

Viramontes introduces Perfecto as “the man who was not [Estrella’s] father,” and refers to him this way several more times over the course of the novel. What sort of family does Viramontes depict in Under the Feet of Jesus, and how does it relate to the larger points she’s making about the lives of migrant workers?

Compare and contrast the significance of the barn to the various characters in the novel.

Estrella initially wants to learn how to use Perfecto’s tools as a way of accessing power. When she actually uses one (the crowbar), however, it isn’t for its intended purpose. What point do you think Viramontes is trying to make about Estrella and her abilities? How does that point relate to the novel’s themes?

Most of the male characters Under the Feet of Jesus ultimately prove to be unreliable. Is Alejo an exception this rule, and if so, what makes him different?

Discuss the characterization of the nurse. Would you consider her a villain? Why or why not?