The House of the Scorpion

Farmer, Nancy. 2002. THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439579295

*Plot Summary

Matt Alacran leads a life of contrasts, at once filled with love and enjoyment of simple pleasures while also experiencing tremendous pain and humiliation. As a clone to the great patriarch of the Alacran family, El Patron, Matt longs to be treated like a human instead of an animal. Through years of secrets, clues, and discoveries; Matt finally begins to understand his role in the world.

*Critical Analysis

Nancy Farmer's multiple award-winning novel THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION contains a plot that will please readers who enjoy epic tales and suspenseful story lines. The fantasy of the plot is clearly evident in the fact that the protagonist is a clone. Despite this, not all of the plot involves fantastic details. This adds to the appeal of the novel because the readers can enjoy the fantasy aspects while also making connections with the human elements. For example, by law of the country Opium, Matt isn't considered human. "All clones are classified as livestock because they're grown inside cows. Cows can't give birth to humans," Matt is told. Yet, he desperately desires to be treated like a normal child. "He was in a rage to learn. Then everyone would love him and forget he was a clone."

Along with details such as these, the plot incorporates lots of action as Matt tries to survive his "family" and understand his role as El Patron's clone. Because the plot unfolds in a series of discoveries made by Matt regarding his future, the story is suspenseful and original with each twist and turn. The novel is long and contains many unexpected events, so that it seems there is more than one climax. However, with the novel's resolution, readers will discover many answers to questions the story inspires. Additionally, the details regarding fantasy elements are well-explained (such as why Matt is a clone who can think while most are unable to function outside an institution), so the plot is credible and enjoyable.

Another important, well-written part of the book is the setting. Most of the story occurs in Opium, an empire that lies between what is now Mexico and the United States. Farmer takes great care in explaining how this country came to be and the origins of the people who inhabit the area. The author also adds great description of the area's landscape as well as the mansion where the Alacran family resides. Matt lives near a beautiful oasis which is in sharp contrast to an area where programmed workers (eejits) reside. When Matt discovers these "eejit pens," he is shocked by the conditions including the horrible smell which "was a compound of rotten fish, excrement, and vomit, with a sweet chemical odor that was worse than the other smells put together."

Later in the novel, Matt discovers yet another setting, Aztlan, which is futuristic with "a seething mass of factories and skyscrapers," "roadways not only on the ground, but also going up in wide spirals among the buildings," and a "sea of hovercrafts." The variety in setting surely adds to the interest of the novel as well as provides depth to the plot, as action moves from one place to the next.

The characters, both good and evil, are the heart of this fantasy novel. Matt is an ideal protagonist as he copes with his life as a growing boy and as a clone. What makes the character interesting are his very human reactions to life. He is jealous when his friend Maria spends time with another boy, and he is anxious to please his guardian and his bodyguard even as he questions their authority at times.

Another interesting character is Tam Lin, the bodyguard and friend of both El Patron and Matt, who plays a key role in the mysterious plot. Matt's arch rival Tom also adds to the story with his angelic facade and suspicious, sometimes evil, actions. Finally, El Patron is a driving force behind the plot, and he is Matt's life line in many instances. He is a complex and greedy man who Matt wants to please. All of these characters plus many more are carefully developed and add even more interest to an already exciting story.

Themes of THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION are ones which inspire thought and discussion. Ideas such as freedom, greed, self-discovery, and the dangers and comforts brought on by secrets work well in this fantasy novel. Surely readers will find connections to these universal ideas. Furthermore, because the characters are all somewhat complex, the themes they convey through their actions are thought provoking, not overpowering or preachy.

Finally, Farmer's style also adds to the effectiveness of the novel as a whole. She blends age old themes and futuristic details beautifully. A careful mixture of narration and realistic dialogue is another strong point of the novel. Finally, Farmer creates moods which are as varied as the many settings and characters. Readers get a sense of the many moods that Matt experiences as he journeys through life.

*Personal Response

Honestly, I was not looking forward to reading this book as fantasy is not one of my favorite genres. Despite my misgivings, I absolutely love this book. Nancy Farmer has created a story that is heart-wrenching, intelligent, and satisfying. I look forward to recommending this book to older, more advanced readers at my school. Due to the interesting themes and the element of mystery, I also think this might be a great selection for a book club; the discussions would be great!

*Review Excerpts

"This is a powerful, ultimately hopeful, story that builds on today's sociopolitical, ethical, and scientific issues and prognosticates a compelling picture of what the future could bring. All of these serious issues are held together by a remarkable coming-of-age story, in which a boy's self-image and right to life are at stake."
BookList *Starred Review*

"The novel's well-described, exotic setting is a background for imaginative science fiction that looks at the social implications of technological advances."
School Library Journal

"Nancy Farmer is a master of quirky science fiction, and this novel is a fine example of her craft."
Library Media Connection

*Connections

-Read another Nancy Farmer book (like THE EAR, THE EYE AND THE ARM or DO YOU KNOW ME). Are there any similarities in the books? Which did you enjoy most? Why?
-Research and discuss cloning in our society. What are the implications of human cloning? Consider moral issues which are raised in the book.
-Discuss the end of the book. (Was this true to the novel as a whole? What did you like about the resolution? Would you change anything about the ending? Why?)
-Discuss Matt and Maria's relationship. Were the risks they took to help one another worthwhile? If you were in Maria's place, would you have been willing to take such risks to help Matt?
-Discuss the fate of Tam Lin. Why did he make the decision to drink the wine? What are your opinions about his choice?