The issue of immigration and American attitudes toward it are satirized in TC Boyle's novel "Tortilla Curtain." Boyle uses sarcasm to attack what he sees as the self-centered nature of the American middle class and their naive view of the world. He laments the extent to which the United States seems removed from the problems of the rest of the world. The author's use of irony describes a breakdown of human society fueled by fear and jealous materialism, but throughout the novel the continued interdependence of human beings is also described. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The self-centered nature of modern American society is portrayed through Boyle's use of sarcasm. Celaney's character, who embodies liberal middle America, amplifies his problems out of proportion. This can be seen in the incredulous tone when Delaney, a “liberal humanist with… a freshly polished Japanese car…” (p1) runs over a Mexican. His tone turns irritated as he asks, “Why did this have to happen to him?” (page 6). Boyle's sarcastic tone in describing Delanye's problems clearly shows how Delaney complains about his own problems while ignoring the Mexican's. “Tortilla Curtain” depicts American society as longing for a secure view of the world. On many occasions in the novel, the liberal, middle-class residents of Arroyo Blanco avoid addressing complex social issues, as can be seen in Delaney's desperate enthusiasm for clear, moral issues: “That was what mattered. Principle…a matter as clear as the on/off switch…” (p152). The simplicity of this vision reflects Boyle's belief that the world is actually very complex. Also suggested is the lack of moral direction that lies behind the desire to see the world in simple terms. This disconnect with reality can also be seen in Boyle's attack on the "intellectual" interests of the rich. Through ironic symbolism, Boyle denounces the rich as hypocritical and out of touch in their support of "liberal" views. An example of this can be seen in the issue of the coyote, which symbolizes environmental conservation, but is also an allegory of Mexican immigrants. It is ironic when Delaney, who becomes progressively anti-immigration, declares: "The coyote is not to blame...he's just trying...to make a living..." (p214). Surprising to the reader is the way Delaney sympathizes with the wild coyote but fails to do the same for his own kind. Satirical attacks by other liberal interests can also be seen in Delaney's encounter with Candide. Faced with a seriously wounded Candide, Delaney is helpless. He can't even communicate since Candido speaks Spanish, to which Delaney's "...four years of French in high school..." give him "...little access." (p8) The irony that American schools teach French, widely considered the language of sophistication, but not Spanish, is not wasted on Boyle who uses it to reflect America's lack of interest in Mexico and its problems. This satire of the liberal middle class can be seen as part of Boyle's commentary on trends in modern society and the persistence of cultural barriers and prejudices. The novel expresses Boyle's concern with the growing disconnection and fragmentation of community in modern society. The wealthy residents of Arroyo Blanco are often wary of society because they jealously guard their wealth. The irony of their fears and actions can be seen when Delaney orders the workers to close the gate: "we wouldn't want any of the boys..