The Representation of
Chicano’s
Life and Society Through the Character and
the Plot in Luis Valdez’s
Los Vendidos
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fullfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
by
Yoga Adi Nugraha
Student Number: 084214065
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A.Background of the Study
Literature is a result from human experience which is poured into written thing.
Literature usually written into book, novels, play, or many kinds of text. Literature is usually
written as a representation of the writer‟s experiences. The experience that the writer writes in
the work of literature is a part of his/her history in life. From the statement above, we can
conclude that literature and history can not be separated because they have connection each
other.
America is a big country which has many kinds of race, they are spread in many
places. They come from different place. They come to the place that they called “Dreamland”.
The races are consist of White American, Eskimo, Native American (Indian), Chinesse,
Hispanic, etc. In America, racism and colonialism are usual cases. White people are considered
the highest caste, and another races are considered lowest caste. The race that the writer wants to
share and show is Hispanic races. The Hispanic races here means the Mexican American.
Mexican American live in the South part of America, Mexico, Texas, etc. They usually called as
Chicano.
Here, the writer wants to analyze about the life of Mexican American from the
beginning until the end . The writer used Los Vendidos to show this issues. Los Vendidos which
is written in chronological sequences are helpful to know more about the life of Mexican
First of all, the way of Mexican American could migrate to the United States have a
long process. As stated in this quotation
The Mexican government initially promoted American settlement in parts of the territory now known as Texas in the 1820s to bolster the regional economy . As the proportion of North American settlers in these lands multiplied , however they began to request greater local autonomy , feared the possibility that Mexico might outlaw slavery and resented the imposition of taxes from the government in Mexico City. (Engelkirk, 2013: 2)
From the quotation above, we can see that the Mexican American were offered to to
move to the other country from the government. Although they are offered, the government does
not give them the guarantee that they can live in good condition.
After the process, the connection between Mexico and America strained. United States and Mexico had war. It occurred during 1830-1840. (Engelkirk, 2013: 2)
After the process the process of immigration, United States and Mexico strained,
because the Mexican American wants to get the same rights to the white American.
Finally after the end of the war, the treaty of Guadeloupe and Hidalgo,and Gadsden treaty were signed, many Mexican American can live in the areas. The areas are called New Mexico and California. There are almost 80000 people migrated there. (Engelkirk, 2013: 2)
In the end of war, the United States and Mexico signed on the both treaties that
Mexican American can live in the areas. They signed the treaty that makes both of their people to
live in the same areas. They try to live together in the same areas.
After the migration, Mexican American did not live in an easy way. They faced many
obstacles. They faced many White American who did not like them. The racial discrimination,
economic issues, criminal issues are the obstacles that the Chicano‟s must face in the early
There, American people using many ways to classify many kinds of race. There are
many races which are considered as lowest caste there. One of them is Mexican American which
can be called as Chicano. In Los Vendidos, they use stereotyping to make a struggle to be free
and have the same rights with white people/ white American person itself. Stereotypes are far too
familiar to American culture. There are so many products which use this as a “building of their
existence”.
In general, Chicano / Chicana are American people which are lived near Mexico.
That‟s why they are called Mexican American. They lived in poor condition, it is different from
another American people which have better life. Not only in their life, but also in races they are
considered as low caste of American people. They are considered as different races with White
People in general, although they are also the part of American people as well.
Chicana/ Chicano is a Mexican-American people who struggle to get an
achievement like American. Chicana/ Chicano was represented as stupid, poor. It is different
from another person in America. American person/white people was represented as the
“highest” caste of people. Here in Los Vendidos, the movement of Chicana/ Chicano is
represented. The representation is drawn in the character of role models and also the seller,
Honest Sancho . The topic is suitable to study because it helps us to know about the chicano‟s
struggle and life during or after the colonization of white people. The characterization in this
play is interesting to analyze. The topic in this play challenges us to learn more about the struggle
of Chicana/Chicano’s movement to get a better life. The background of the writer is one of the
reason which make the play more interesting to analyze. Analyzing and studying this play also
made us to know about the struggle of Chicano/ Chicana „s movement to end a racism era. The
the racism era in America especially in California which is near with Mexico, a country which
the people are usually called as Chicano/Chicana.
At that time, Chicano lived in the area near Mexico, like in Texas, California,etc.
They lived in a poor condition and also people especially the real American person/ white
people, underestimated them as the lowest race in their area.
And their condition was stated by a person who really know their condition like in
this statement below. The condition at that time was fully related to stereotype.
Stereotypes are far too familiar to American popular culture today. Everyday it is misconstrued stereotypes of Chicanos while covertly ridiculing Americans which in turn successfully brings about conversation and critical thinking of these stereotypes and inspires viewers the opportunity to change their preconceived notions of Chicanos.(Mcfadden,2013:1)
At this play, Valdez wants to show us about the Mexican American‟s struggle to be
free from civilization. Valdez who lives at that place feels about what they are feeling. He told us
from the beginning till the end the way of the Chicano is drawn. From one of the writer
comments,
Valdez‟s Los Vendidos is a play that full of critics from the low caste people in this case is Mexican American to the Higher Caste (white people) in order to get a better life. (Mcfadden,2013:1)
This play is interesting to analyze and disscuss because this play shows us about
the struggle of Chicano‟s movement at that time. Many aspects can challenge us to analyze this
many analisis with the characters and the plot. Beside that, the work of literature itself has a
meaning and purpose when it is written at that tine.
From the statements above we can conclude that Los Vendidos is a play that is full of
controversy, it tells us about the struggle of Chicano to get better life, and the satire from
Chicano about their life who are fully not in a good condition. We can see it from the characters
that they must do some acts to make sure the secretary as a representation of white people
believe them as the best “model” that the white people/ American needs.
The writer wants to analyze this isues because the characters in this play are
represented the life of Mexican American. The characters gives some representation as Mexican
American. From their characterization, we can see the life that they faces in their first life in
America.
Besides analyzing the characters, the writer wants to analyze the plot structure to
make a conclusion about the life of Mexican American. The plot structure is an intrinsic element
which is helpful to analyze the work of literature. The plot structure in this play is also helpful to
analyze about the life of Mexican American. Every step in this play, represent the stages of life
of Mexican American. From the beginning until the end of early life in America.
B. Problem Formulation
After reading the Luis Valdez‟s Los Vendidos , The Writer has found some problems
to analyze. The problems are :
1. How are the characters characterized?
2. How is the plot of Los Vendidos?
C.Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are divided into two parts. The first one is to analyze the
characters which are represented as a Mexican American people. As we know, Chicano or
Mexican American person are “invaded” by white people or the writer means here are American
person. Chicano/ Mexican American are represented as people who are low “caste”. At Los
Vendidos, Chicano are also represented a cruel, poor, stupid people. So in this thesis, the writer
wants to find out how are the real characters of Mexican American persons who usually called
Chicana / Chicano. The Characters in that play showed us about the life of Mexican American
which are so sad, full of cruelty. In Los Vendidos, Mexican American are also characterized as
cruel person (Johny Pachuco), A slave (Farmworker), Strugler (Revolucionario). But The
Honest Sancho hold an important thing in that play, he is drawn as a real “human”, but actually
he is a model/ doll. It is represented that Mexican American people also clever to make sure that
they are the same with white people in America.
The second one is to find out how the plot structure makes a big influence in that
play. The plot is an instrument to make us know about the play itself. The plot which is started
from the first until the end help us to know about the Chicano’s life and the society itself. The
plot structure makes us know about Luis Valdez‟s way of thinking about the Chicano‟s
movement in that area. The writer know that plot structure is one of the most important intrinsic
elements in a play/story, because without plot structure we can not know the way of the story
shown. Plot structure have an important place in the story/play, because the plot structure is not
only to know about the story but also how can the story walk into the climax and resolution, it
The third one is to combine both of the analysis of the character and the plot structure
to analyze that this play is a representation of Chicano‟s life and society. Combining both of the
analysis above, we can clearly see that this play shows us about the life of the Chicano at that
era. Beside that, we can also see the stages of life of the Chicano.
D.Definition of terms
1. Chicano
A Chicano is an individual (usually with a Spanish surname) of Mexican parentage or
ancestry who lives in the United States. Chicano is often used synonymously with
Mexican-American, although many Chicanos presently make an ideological distinction between the two
terms. (Sinmandera, 2004:1)
2. Plot
Plot is a plan or groundwork for a story, based in conflicting human motivations,
with the action resulting from believeable and realistic human response. In well plotted story,
nothing is irrelevant; everything is related. Plot/ time is important not simply because one thing
happens after another but because one thing happens because of another. (Roberts,1989:87).
3. Representation
Representationis defined as the act of placing or stating facts in order to influence or
affect the action of others (Ann Marie Baldonado,1996)
4. Character
8
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
A. Review of Related Studies
Los Vendidos is a work that tells us about the life of the
Mexican-American persons. The Mexican-Mexican-American person that usually called Chicano or
Chicana at that moment is struggling to get a recognition that they are also a really
American person. As we know that Chicano lives in a bad condition.
Valdez's performances of anomalous realities allow for an alternate space of expression where classifications can be challenged in terms not
contaminated by dominant ideologies.(Aztlan journal:1970)”
From the quotation we can see that The Honest Sancho was really
represented as a Mexican-American person who do honestly in his own way
representation at the character’s good.
Los Vendidos also makes us to know about the mindset of western people
characterize something as a “character” or stereotype.
Stereotypes are far too familiar to American popular culture today. Everyday it is almost a guarantee to see some stereotypes whether it is on television, on the movie screen or upon everyday products. Every minority has stereotypes built around their existence. In this play Valdez
enhances and gives
emphasis to the stereotypes in order to make them unmistakable. His
work has
been revolutionary in the fact that they inspire change in the views people
have of
the
misconstrued stereotypes of Chicanos while covertly ridiculing
Americans which
in turn successfully brings about conversation and critical thinking of these
stereotypes and inspires viewers the opportunity to change their preconceived
notions of Chicanos.(Mcfadden: 2011)
Western people usually use stereotyping a man to make a struggle to get a
“better life”. That is a kind of satire to make a struggle. From the studies above we can conclude that stereotyping is one way to make a struggle. For this case, it is
occurred in Chicano/ Mexican American people.
In Los Vendidos, one of many stereotypes concerning Chicanos occurs when Honest Sancho is trying to sell one of the Mexican models to a customer. He uses satire to convey humor , in describing the economic features of the farm worker model. The interaction between the salesman and the customer consisted of the following statement, in regards to the
farm worker. “one plate of beans and tortillas will keep him going all day” (Vendidos 70) . The stereotypes refer to the traditional foods of
Chicanos and their traditional work ethic. (www.helium.com/items/229121-critique -luis-valdez-los-vendidos-susan-glaspells-trifles-comparison)
The quotation above show us about the most important issue in Los
Vendidos is about stereotypes. Chicanos/ Mexican Americans are considered as low
class people. They are considered as poor and uneducated people. From the word
beans and tortillas, it represents that the Mexican American can be paid in low cost
and besides that, beans and tortillas are their traditional foods in Mexico.
In short, this research will describe the life of Mexican American. Their
discrimination condition. And also the goals of this research is to know about the life
and condition of the Chicanos.
B. Review of Related Theories
To answer the problems stated obviously, some theories are needed to
support the analysis. There are two theories that the writer used. The theories are:
1. Theory of Character and Characterization
2. Theory of plot
a. Theory of Character and Characterization
The problems asked how the main character and the another characters
are drawn. The character is not only in physically condition but also in
psychologically condition. It is also told,
“When you study character, be sure to consider physical descriptions, but
also be sure to relate the physical to the mental/ psychological.” (
Roberts,1989:144)
In Luis Valdez’s Los Vendidos we can also find a character that is not
express no attitude except those to be expected. It is called stereotype, because they
In Understanding Unseen: An Introduction of English Poetry and the
English Novel for Overseas Student, Murphy (Murphy, 1972:161-173) explained nine
ways of how the author presents the characters:
i. Personal description.
The author can describe a person’s appearance like skin, color, eyes, and
hair, clothes, etc. Personal description is used in many literary works by many
authors; it is the easiest way to tell directly to the readers the clues to a character with
certain feature.
ii. Character as seen by another.
Instead of describing a character directly the author can describe him
through the eyes and opinions of another. The readers get the clue of a character’s
personality or attitude through the other character’s explanation or opinion about that character.
iii. Speech.
The author can give us an insight into the character of one of the person
in the book through what that person says. For example, whenever a person speaks,
whenever he is in conversation with another, whenever he puts forward an opinion,
he is giving some clues to his character. It means that the readers will get some clues
about a character through the character’s own words.
iv. Past life.
By letting the character learn something about a person’s past life, the
This can be done by direct comment by the author, through the person’s thoughts,
through his conversation or through the medium of another person.
v. Conversation of others.
The author can also gives us clues to a person's character through the
conversation of other people and the things they say about him. People do talk about
other people and the things they say often give us a clue to the character of the person
spoken about.
vi. Reactions.
The author can also gives us a clue to a person’s character by le ting us
know how that person reacts to various situations and events.
vii. Direct comment.
The author can describe or comment on a person’s character directly. By using direct comments, the author gives the opinion about the character. This is one
of the most common ways that the most writer use.
viii. Thoughts.
The author can give us direct knowledge of what the person is thinking
about. In this respect he is able to do what we cannot do in real life. He can tell us
what different people are thinking.
ix. Mannerism.
whether positive or negative which tell us something about the reflection of his
personality (1972: 161-173).
b. Theory of Plot
The picture of the plot diagram which is fit to the Los Vendidos like the
diagram below. This plot diagram draws from one process into another process. We
can see that the plot diagram below draws the condition in Los Vendidos.
(http://cavemanenglish.blogspot.com/2011/08/plot-map-diagrams.html)
The plot diagram above is fit to the Los Vendidos because there is step by
step process in that plot diagram.
The plot in this play also has a important rules. The plot helps us to know
the way of the story . There is also a statement that said “ without a plot, we don’t have a story or drama”.
The other important thing is conflict in plot. Without conflict, plot can’t
be raised. The reason that the conflict is the major ingredient in a plot is that once two
“Formal categories of structure is divided into 5 parts. They are Exposition, Complication, Crisis, Climax, Resolution. “(Roberts,1989:102)
Beside that, Stanton (1965) said that plot is the story which has an order
event, but every event are only connected reciprocally. Plot is something, which is
higher and more complex than a story.
Narrative tradition calls for developing stories with particular pieces plot elements in place. Exposition is the information needed to understand a story. The introductory material which gives the setting creates the tone, presents the characters, and presents other facts necessary to understand the story. Complication is the catalyst that begins the major co.nflict the essence of fiction. It creates plot. The conflicts that we encounter can
usually be identified as one four kinds. (Man versus……Man,Nature,
Society, or Self. Climax becomes the turning point in the story that occurs when characters try to resolve the complication, the conflict reaches a turning point. At this point, the opposing forces in the story meet and the conflict becomes most intense. The crisis occurs before or at the same time as the climax.The climax is the result of the crisis. It is the highest point of the story for the reader. Frequently it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted. (http://notesinthemargin.org.glossary.html.c.2004)
The quotation above shows us about the good plot structure in work of
literature. It starts from the exposition phase which is so important to understand the
story itself. The second phase complication, this phase will be the starting point of the
conflict. After meeting the complication phase there will be a turning point when the
prombles will be. This process called crisis. And the next process is climax. This
phase shows us the top of the problems. This point will be the most important phase
because usually at this phase the problems will reach the top of the point from the
problems before and the last phase is resolution. This phase shows us about the
C. Review of Chicano’s life
In the early migration in America, the Mexican American people faced
hard conditions. they migrated to America because of the Mexican Revolution and
unsettled economic condition. They tried to move in the new country in order to get a
better condition of life rather than their life in Mexico. They tried to find another job
which can help them reach their purpose of move, better life.
The Chicano/ Mexican American were experienced and well enough in
agricultural sectors. Farming is their specialization. Farming cotton, fruits were usual
thing there.
All along the southwest borderlands economic activity was picking up in the late nineteenth century. Railroads were being built , copper mines were opening in Arizona, cotton and vegetable agriculture was developing in south Texas, and growing was being introduced in in Southern California. (Henretta et al,1999:467)
From the quotation above, we can see that the development of the early
settlement of Mexican American is in the South area of America which is near from
Mexico. There are so many chance to the Mexican American repair their life but the
fact is not like they want.
From the quotation above, the economic conditions made some efforts.
The efforts were robbery, theft, and another crimes. This condition was caused by
small wages, lack of employment, so to fulfill their life.
Mexicans who held tracts of land of any appreciable size in Texas, California, and New Mexico prior to 1848 were angered and alienated when they began to lose their properties because of alterations made in the 1848 treaty after its signing or because of other unethical tactics used by Anglo Americans to obtain their land (Engelkirk,2013)
From the quotation above, the writer sees that the starting points of the
problem between the Anglo Americans and the Mexican Americans is obtaining the
area. The Anglo Americans try to obtain and break the The Treaty of Hidalgo which
separates the land between the Anglo Americans and Mexican Americans.
During the second era, from 1810 until 1848, the Southwest was part of an independent Mexico. It developed slowly, largely because of the distance between it and the capital of Mexico City. Then in 1846-48 the Mexican War gained the Southwest for the United States. The war was ended by the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, in which the United States promised to protect the rights of Mexican Americans in the newly won territories. Most of the treaty's provisions, unfortunately, were not honored by the United States. Huge tracts of land belonging to Mexicans were taken from them by the most dubious legal means or by outright theft. Violence was perpetrated against them, and there was a great deal of economic exploitation. This sad tale of exploitation covers the period from 1849 until 1910, an era of Anglo-American assimilation of the new territory. The Mexican Americans of the Southwest were gradually overwhelmed in numbers by Anglo newcomers from the East. (Anglo is a term used by Hispanics to describe all white non-Hispanic Americans.) (Engklekirk, 2013)
From the quotation above, the writer sees the life of Mexican Americans
which is accepted before. The worst impact is the number of Anglo Americans which
moved to the South is getting bigger, it makes the Mexican Americans feel that the
Anglo Americans want to occupy their land.
D. Theoretical Framework
The teories above is used to analyzed the work of literature itself, first the
theory of characterization. Theory of characterization is used to analyze the problem
that the character faced, not only in physical appearance but also in psychologically
condition.
The theory of characterization also helpful for us to make a conclusion
about the study, the study here for knowing the habit of Chicano’s movement to
struggle against the racism in that place. This theory is needed because to analyze a
character, we must use this theory. Characterizing a character can be looked by using
this theory.
The second theory is a plot theory. The plot theory is used to analyze the
plot in that play. It is needed because analyzing plot must use this theory. The theory
of plot help us to know about the way of the story have a relation with the theme and
also the story is in ordinal condition or not. All of that theories is combined to
analyzed one work of literature. That is Los Vendidos in this case. The theories will
The review of Mexican American’s life is used to compare about the real
condition on that moment than the condition in the Los Vendidos itself. This review
also make us helpful analyzing this play because this review contains some elements
which represent the character on this play. Like the review about the agricultural.
19
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the study
The object of the study was Luis Valdez’s play Los Vendidos. This play is a famous
play in America especially in California, because the background of the writer is from there. Los
Vendidos is play which told us about a seller whose name is The Honest Sancho. He sells a
dolls/models that represent many kinds of person but actually it is a satire for white people from
Chicano’s people. This play, Los Vendidos was first performed in 1967 for El Teatro Campesino
and was awarded an Emmy in 1972. From that play, we can know and learn about the struggle of
chicano’s movement at that era.
B. Approach of the study
To understand a literary work we need some approach to be applied. Approach that I
can use to analyze this study is Sociocultural-Historical approach. By that approach, analyzing
this play is easier, because that approaches help us about the condition at that time and the
condition of the writer when he wrote that play.According to Rohrberger and Woods,
Using the Sociocultural-Historical approach also help us identifiying the social life
when the work of literature was written. We can know that the culture at when Los Vendidos
was written is when the racism spread in America especially in America in South which the
boundary’s line is Mexico.
This approach used because it is helpful for us to analyze this work of literature.
Besides that, this approach have big influences to analyze. The big influences are the
background of the story, the background of the writer, and also what is the purpose of the writer
wrote that story/ play. it also connects with the history of the Mexican American and also the
social life there.
C. Method of the study
The method of the study that the writer used to collect data for this study was library
research.
The method of the study are divide into 4 parts. Each part has a mission to complete
the study in order to be a good study. The first part is reading the work of literature. By reading
the work of literature itself will help us to know what is the problems that can be analyzed for
this study. Reading the work of literature can make me understand the content of the story and
can catch the idea which the writer wants to post. The writer focus on the character and the plot
of object study.
The second parts is searching sources to help the writer to make a good study.
The third step is reviewing and examining the primary and secondary data then
develop a more reliable and reasonable analysis the problem formulation. The analysis process in
this step are read, and search many data which are related with theory of character and the theory
of plot. And then, the writer described how is The Representation of Chicano’s Life and Society
22
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
In this section the analysis of this research will be divided into 3
sections. The first section is to analyze the characters in Los Vendidos which is
written by Luis Valdez. The second section is to analyze the plot from the first until
the end of the play. This plot helps us to identify about the stages of introduction the
character and also the journey of Chicano’s life and society . The third section is to analyze about the character and the plot in Valdez’ Los Vendidos in order to know
about the Chicano’s Life and Society.
In this play, there are so many characters which build this play. The
characters build their own rules. The characters in this play are Honest Sancho,
Secretary,Farm Worker, Johny Pachuco, Revolucionario, Mexican American. Every
characters in this story made some effects to know about the Chicano’s Life and
Society.
A. Characters
First of all, the writer wants to analyze about the Characters. The
characters in this play are:
1. The Honest Sancho
The character of the Honest Sancho is the main character at that story. The
There are 2 characteristics of the Honest Sancho. They are Physical characteristic and
psychological characteristics. First the writer wants to analyze the psychological
characteristics of The Honest Sancho. The psychological characteristics of The
Honest Sancho are:
a. Communicative
Sancho is drawn as a communicative person, From the first until the end
of the story, he speaks so much to the customer. As a “Seller”, he plays the role to
make the story becomes in an order way. The character Sancho makes some efforts
in this play. By being a communiative person, Sancho is drawn as the character who
becomes a “bridge” from one moment into another moment, because he talks to the
Secretary from the first until the end to introduce his “dolls” which he wants to sell.
SANCHO: Bueno, Bueno mis monos, vamos a ver quien vendemos ahora
no quihubo, I’m Honest Sancho and this is my shop.Antes fui contratista
pero ahora logre tener mi negocito, All I need now is a customer. Ay, a customer.
SECRETARY: Good Morning, I’m Miss Jimenez from,
SANCHO: Ah una chicana ! Welcome welcome Senorita Jimenez (Valdez 1965:1-9)
From the quotation above we can see that Sancho starts to speak at the
first section of the play. He tries to greet Secretary, he uses so many words which are
actually useless. He tries to be more communicative in order to make the Secretary
impressed with him and his shop. He speaks too much although it is just an
introduction of himself and his shop. By speaking too much in this section, the
quotation above can be made as a proof which shows us that Sancho is a
SANCHO: Economical? Senorita you are looking at the Volkwagen of Mexicans.Pennies a day is all it take. One plate of beans and tortillas will keep him going all day. That, and chile Plenty of chile.Chile jalapenos,chile verde ,chile Colorado. But of course if you give him chile then you have to change his oil filter once a week.
SECRETARY: What about the storage?
SANCHO: No problem. You know these new farm labor camps our Honorable Governor Reagan has built out by Parlier or Raisin City?They were designed with our model in mind. Five, six, seven, even ten in one of those shacks will give you no trouble at all. You can also put him in old barns,old cars, river banks. You can even leave him out in the field overnight with no worry(Valdez,1965:82)
When he offers the dolls, he introduces the dolls briefly and clearly. So
the customer can know the model itself. Maybe being a communicative person is a
characteristic that usually a seller does when he faces the customer.
As we see in line 68, “Economical? Senorita you are looking at the
Volkwagen of Mexicans. Pennies a day is all it take. One plate of beans and tortillas
will keep him going all day.”(Valdez,1965: 68-70), we can clearly see about the
specification of the first model, The Farm Worker. Sancho tells us that the
specification of The Farm Worker is cheap/economical. He also tells about how to
give the the model food to make it work well.
The writer concludes that The Honest Sancho is a communicative person
by seeing the role of himself in the play.
b. Friendly
The Honest Sancho is a character who is a friendly person. It can be
Sancho makes a good speech when he faces the customers. He serves the customer
well so the customer feels comfortable with the situation.
Sancho: Ah, una chicana! Welcome, welcome Senorita Jimenez. (Valdez, 1965: 2)
From the quotation above, we can clearly see that the seller wants to
prove that he tries to be kind to the customer. It can be proved when he tries to greet
the customer at first time. As a seller, he wants to show his good manner in serving
the customer.
Friendly is a habit that a seller must show to customer. It is almost shown
by every seller to the customer. By being a friendly person, the customer will feel
good and they will understand about the things the seller’s sell.
c. Hardworker
Hardworker is another characteristic of the Honest Sancho. We can see
from the text that Sancho wants to get profit from the things that he sell. So, The
Honest Sancho tries to make sure that the products that he sell are good enough to
sell. He offers the “dolls” one by one. He also explains about the use, price, and any
features that the dolls have.
By using the Murphy’s theory of characters in the point of “thoughts”, we
can see the characteristics of the Honest Sancho as a hardworker. Here, Valdez wants
to show about the Sancho’s acts which shows us as a hardworker person.
keep him going all day. That, and chile Plenty of chile.Chile jalapenos,chile verde ,chile Colorado. But of course if you give him chile then you have to change his oil filter once a week.(Valdez,1965:69_
From the quotation above we can see when Sancho tries to explain about
one of the features that the model have. He explain about the “dolls” clearly so the
customer will know about the “dolls” well. As a seller, maybe it is hard to offer
something patiently but it is a must as a seller itself.
After analyzing the psychological characteristics, the writer wants to
describe the physical characteristic. The physical characteristic of The Honest Sancho
are using sombrero, handling gabacho, speaking Spanish.
2. Secretary
Besides Sancho, there is another character who plays an important rule in
this play. The character is Secretary. Secretary creates a conflict in this play. It makes
the situation becomes in an order way.
Actually, this play is started because Secretary is asked by the governor
to find a model which is fit to fill the position of administration. She comes to
Sancho’s shop and tries to find the models. She selects the models one by one in
order to get the cheap, and good Mexican American. There, she finds many kinds of
models.
a. Critical
As a buyer, Secretary wants to get the best model like she wants. To be a
buyer, she must be selective to choose from many options that the seller’s offered.
She talks to much to know about the composition, the price and the quality of the
models. It is usual to do like that as a buyer.
SECRETARY: Yes, we are looking somebody suave. (Valdez 1965:21)
From the quotation above, we can conclude that this is the first sign that
the Secretary being a critical person. She tries to describe the model that she wants.
SECRETARY: Wonderful. But is he economical? (Valdez 1965: 67)
The quotation above is another proof that she is a critical person. She tries
to speak to the seller in order to get information. She talks too much because she
wants to know about the feature that the models have.
b. Underestimating
As we know, at that era, American people colonized the Mexican
American people. They considered the Mexican American as a slave that can help
them to finished the work.
Sancho:Mota. Secretary: Mota?
Sancho: Lenos, Marijuana(snap;Johny inhales on an imaginary joint)
Secretary: that’s against the law!
Johny: (big smile,holding his breath), Yeahhh (Valdez, 1965:136-140)
By seeing the quotation above we can see that Johny is represented
American. Inhaling marijuana is considered as a criminal acts. It also shows us that
the Secretary makes a negative prejudice to Johny Pachuco because he tries to inhale
marijuana in front off her. She does not like that act because according to her,
inhaling marijuana is considered as a criminal act.
Sancho: He steals(Snap. Johny rushes the secretary and steals her purse
Johny: Dame esa bolsa, vieja!(He grabs the purse and runs. Snap by Sancho. He stops)
(Secretary runs after Johny and grabs purse away from him, kicking him as she goes
Secretary : No, No, No!We can’t have any more thieves in the state
Administration. Put Him back.
By seeing the another quotation we can see that Johny do another
criminal acts. He tries to steal the Secretary’s purse. It connects with the previous
quotation. The acts that Johny has done makes the Secretary underestimates him. It
can be concluded that The Secretary (white people) underestimates and has negative
prejudice to him as the criminal or bad people who always do the criminal acts.
c. Curious
Curiousity is a characteristic that someone has to know more about
something for a purpose. In this play, the Secretary is curious about the model that
she wants to buy.. Actually, it is a common thing when a customer wants to know
The Secretary asks one by one about the models to the seller. She makes
a “bridge” in this play, so the story can flow in the order way. We can see from the
quotation below,
SECRETARY: Versatile isn’t he?( Valdez, 1965: 54) SECRETARY: BILINGUAL? (Valdez, 1965: 129)
SECRETARY: Wonderful, is he economical? (Valdez, 1965:67) SECRETARY: Does he function in politics? (Valdez, 1965:274)
From the quotation above, we can see that the characteristic of the
secretary is full of curiousity. From the first quotation, we can see that the Secretary
wants to know more about the features of the model. Then, in the next quotation, it is
also about the feature of the role models, the important things that the secretary wants
to find is the models must be English spoken. The next feature that the Secretary
wants is also cheap. It has a relation between the curious and underestimating
characteristic. The Mexican American is considered as “cheap” person. In the last
quotation, we can see that Secretary also tries to find model which can have a
function in political view.
3. Farm Worker
The Farm Worker is one of the characters which is represented as a
Mexican American. He is drawn as a hardworker person. The writer can see this
characteristic by viewing and analyzing the play.
At first, the Farm Worker is drawn as a friendly man. It can be proven
FARM WORKER: (lifts up head)Buenos Dias, senorita(his head drops)
From the quotation above we can see that the Farm Worker show his
respect to the Secretary. We can see that, from the quotation above it is said that the
Farm Worker tries to respect Secretary by dropping his head.
SECRETARY: Wonderful. But is he economical?
SANCHO: Economical? Senorita you are looking at the Volkwagen of Mexicans.Pennies a day is all it take. One plate of beans and tortillas will keep him going all day. That, and chile Plenty of chile.Chile jalapenos,chile verde ,chile Colorado. But of course if you give him chile then you have to change his oil filter once a week.(Valdez 1965:68)
From the quotation above we can see that the Farm Worker is considered
as “cheap” models. It doesn’t takes so much cost to make it worked correctly. Here,
the character of Sancho tells about the way to keep the model of Farm Worker.
SECRETARY: What about the storage?
SANCHO: No problem. You know these new farm labor camps our Honorable Governor Reagan has built our by Parlier or Raisin city? They were designed with our model in mind. Five, six, seven even ten in one of those shacks will give you no trouble at all. You can also put him in old barns, old car, river banks. You can ever leave him out in the field overnight with no worry!
SECRETARY: Remarkable
SANCHO: And here’s an added feature. Every year at the end of the
season, this model goes back to Mexico and doesn’t return, automatically, until next spring. .(Valdez, 1965:75)
From the quotation above, the writer can clearly see that the Farm
Worker is considered as a poor, and people will underestimate them because he is
better job than the Farm Worker. We can also see, that the Farm Worker’s jobs is just
to cut the grapes, pick cottons, pick melons, anything which have connection with
farm’s job. It is totally different with the Secretary who is drawn as a clean, smart
like an intelligent person, and also she is represented looks like a boss.
4. Johny Pachuco
In this story, there is a character which is drawn as cruel, can’t obey the
regulations but he can speak English. English spoken is one of the characteristic that
the Secretary wants to find. He is Johny Pachuco.
In this play, although Johny Pachuco does not take so much roles, he
plays the role as a Mexican American who is rude, unintelligent, and live in road is an
usual habit. As we know, in Mexico, criminalities are usual. Here, Johny Pachuco is
drawn as cruel, he can fight with knifes, He tries to hurt The Secretary by using his
knife. It can be proven in the quotation below,
SANCHO:Ah, from the city! Step right back.over here in this corner
of the stop is exactly what you’re looking for. Introducing our new
1969 JOHNY PACHUCA model! This is our fast back model. Streamlined. Built for speed, low riding, city life. take a look at some of the features. Magshoes, dual exhausts, green chartreuse paint job,dark tint windshield a little poof on top.let me just turn him on. (Valdez,1965 : 106)
From the quotation above we can conclude that Johny Pachuco must
survive in the city life which is cruel, hard, not friendly. Here, Johny Pachuco is
SANCHO: Anything and everything necessary for city life. For instance , survival : he knife fights (snap. Johny pulls out switch blade and swings at the secretary). (Valdez, 1965:117)
JOHNY: (Comes downstage) Fuck-You (Valdez, 1965:133)
SANCHO : lenos… marijuana. (Snap. Johny inhales on an imaginary
joint.) (Valdez, 1965: 146)
From the quotation above we can conclude that the proofs that the
Mexican American is a criminal is really shown. They are drawn as a criminal. They
use marijuana, sniff glues, fight with knifes. It has a relation with the real life in
Mexico.
5. Mexican American
The character of Mexican American is shown in the climax phase in this
play. At first, Valdez tries to describe this character as a real good Mexican
American. We can see from the quotation below,
Sancho: He just came this morning. Ain’the beauty? Feast your eyes
on him!Sturdy US steel frame ,streamlined, modern. As a matter of fact, he is built exactly like our Anglo models except that he comes in variety of darker shades:naugahyde, leather, or leatherette.
Secretary: Naugahyde
Sancho: Well, we just write down. Yes, Senorita, this model represents the apex of American Engineering! He is bilingual, college
educated, ambitious! Say the word “acculturate” and he
accelerates. He is intelligent, well mannered, clean-did I say clean? Smell.
Secretary: Old Sobaco, my favorite.
Sancho: Eric! We call him Eric Garcia. I want you to meet Miss JIM-enez
Mexican American: Miss JIM-enez, I am delighted to make your acquaintance. (Eric kisses her hand)
From the quotation above we can see that Valdez who is the writer of this
play wants to show about the characterization of this Mexican American. The
character of Mexican American shows us about the image of the Mexican American
itself. From the smell of the character of Mexican American, we can see that the
authentic smell of the Mexican American (old sobacco) can be found in this play.
Here we can see that the writer also wants to analyze the Mexican American as one of
the important character in this play. The character of Mexican American has a big role
in the climax phase in plot structure.
At first, the character of Mexican American looks like support the
Reagan’s government. We can see from the quotation below,
Secretary: Does he function in politics?
Sancho: Senorita, you are looking at a political MACHINE. Have you
ever heardof the OEO, EOC,COD, WAR ON POVERTY? That’s our
model! Not only that, he makes political speeches Secretary: May I hear one?
Sancho: With pleasure. Eric, gives us a speech.
Mexican American: Mr. Congressman, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. Please, please, I come before you as a Mexican American to tell you about the problems of Mexican. The problems of the Mexican stem from one thing and one
thing alone; He’s stupid. He’s uneducated. He needs to stay in school
He needs to be ambitious , forward looking, harder working. He needs to think American, American, American, AMERICAN, AMERICAN, GOD BLESS AMERICA
Secretary: Oh my, He’s patriotic too! (Valdez:1965,275)
From the quotation above, we can see there is a satire to the American
itself. The character of Mexican American tries to describe the behaviour of the
American says that the Mexican American are fool, uneducated. But, actually the
diction of the character of Mexican American is a satire, because the American itself
underestimate the Mexican American. So the character of Mexican American has 2
values. Although he is a Mexican American, in contradictory, he acts like a white
American.
In the end of the play, we can see that the Mexican American changes his
manner towards the Secretary. When The Secretary wants to try operating him, the
Mexican American does the different act into the The Secretary. We can see from the
quotation below,
Mexican American: RAZA QUERIDA!VAMOS LEVANTANDO ARMAS PARA LIBERARNOS DE ESTOS DESGRACIADOS GABACHOS QUE NOS EXPLOTAN !VAMOS
Secretary: What did he say?
Sancho: Something about lifting arms, killing white people, etc.
Secretary: but he’s not supposed to say that! (Valdez:1965,327)
The character of Mexican American takes an important role in this phase.
He makes the different manner towards the Secretary of this play. From the quotation
above, we can also see that the Mexican American hates the Secretary itself. The
Mexican American said that he wants to kill white people, etc.
6. Revolucionario
As a matter of fact, the character of Revolucionario doesn’t have an
physical characteristic. Here, in this play, the character of Revolucionario doesn’t
give much speech, but the character of The Honest Sancho gives many explanations
about the feature that the character of Revolucionario have.
We can see the representation of Mexican American in Sancho’s
speech about the character of Revolucionario. Here are the quotation below,
Sancho: Ah, a lover. Step right over here, senorita. Introducing our standard Revolucionario and or Early California Bandit type. As you can see he is well built, sturdy, durable. This is the international Harvester of Mexicans.
Secretary: What does he do?
Sancho: You name it, he does it. He rides horses, stays in the mountains, crosses deserts, plains, rivers, leads revolutions, follow revolutions, kills, can be killed, serves as a martyr , hero, movie star, did I say movie star? Did you ever see Viva Zapata, viva villa, villa rides?pancho villa returns?pancho villa goes back? Pancho villa meets abbot and costello?
From the quoation above, we can see the physical characteristic of the
character of Revolucionario. That character wears sombrero, rides horses, do like a
cowboy. The character of Revolucionario is represented as a Mexican who usually
makes some revolutions to struggle about their life. In quotation above we can clearly
see the word “Viva Zapata, Viva Villa”, the word “ viva “ means come on or let’s go
in English word. They want to show their struggle to face the hard moments in their
B. Plot
Plot structure is an important thing in work of literature. The plot
structure will always make a “story” in the work of literature.
“Fictional people or characters are derived from life, as are things they do. These actions or incidents, occur in sequence , or in chronological order” (Roberts,1987: 98)
Every work of literature will always be in the chronological order,
from the first moments until the end of the moments in the work of literature. Without
plot structure we will always miss the parts of the work literature itself. The example:
the first moment in the work of literature is introducing the character, etc.. By using
the plot structure we can know the journey from the start until the end of the story of
the work literature itself. If there is no plot in the work of literature, the work of
literature will not have sequences/parts and it will make the story becomes tasteless,
especially in analyzing the work of literature itself. That‟s why the plot structure in
the work of literature is so important.
But before analyzing the plot, the plot itself means plan or groundwork
of human motivations, with the actions resulting from believable and realistic human
responses. (Roberts, 1987:98). In a well plotted work, nothing is irrelevant.
Everything is relevant to each other. So we can conclude that everything in a good
In analyzing the plot we need something/element which can built the
work of literature itself. The most significant element of plot is conflict. In conflict
human responses are brought out to their highest degree. Conflicts exist both between
individual and larger forces.
Reffering to the formal categories of structure, we can divide the plot
structures into exposition, complication, crisis, climax and the last is resolution. The
plot structure here makes us to know the way of the story itself. Here the writer wants
to analyze every single parts of the Los Vendidos.
1. Exposition
First of all, the writer wants to introduce what exposition is. Exposition
means the laying out, the putting forth, of the materials in the work. It presents
everything that is going to be important in the pattern of the actions. ( Roberts 1987,
101). The exposition in this play is when The Honest Sancho introduces himself and
his shop. It is common in the starting point of the work of literature, the characters
was introduced.
SANCHO: Bueno, Bueno mis monos, vamos a ver quien vendemos ahora no quihubo, I‟m Honest Sancho and this is my shop. Antes fui contratista pero ahora logre tener mi negocito, All I need now is a customer. Ay, a customer.
SECRETARY: Good Morning, I‟m Miss Jimenez from,
From the quotation above we can see that it is the exposition of the play.
We can see that The Honest Sancho introduced himself and introduced his shop. It is
important for the reader to know the starting point of the play. So by analyzing that
parts, the writer wants to introduce the first part of the play itself. The first part of this
play is the background and introduction of the play itself. From the exposition we can
see about the character and the starting point of this play itself.
2. Complication
The second parts of the good plot structure in this play is when The
Secretary wants to find a “model” which fit for the government. That process is
called complication. The complication marks the onset of the major conflict in the
story (Roberts 1987, 101). The complication starts when The Secretary wants to find
the model which is cheap and can speak English. When The Secretary tries to choose
the model, The Honest Sancho offers her the model that he had in his shop.
SANCHO: Economical? Senorita you are looking at the Volkwagen of Mexicans.Pennies a day is all it take. One plate of beans and tortillas will keep him going all day. That, and chile Plenty of chile.Chile jalapenos,chile verde ,chile Colorado. But of course if you give him chile then you have to change his oil filter once a week.
SECRETARY: What about the storage?
We can see from the quotation below is the starting point of the “conflict”
of this play.
SECRETARY: I don‟t care. You still don‟t understand what we need. It‟s true we need Mexican
models, such as these, but it‟s more important that he be American. SANCHO: American?
SECRETARY: That‟s right, and judging from what you‟ve shown me, I don‟t think you have what
we want. Well, my lunch hour‟s almost over, I better … SANCHO: Wait a minute! Mexican but American? SECRETARY: That‟s correct.
From the quotation above we can see that the conflict starts to raise. The
character of Secretary wants to find a Mexican but American model. The Honest
Sancho has offered her some models but she still can not find the model.
SANCHO: Mexican but … (A sudden flash.) American! Yeah, I think
Ta-ra-ra-raaaa! (SANCHO brings out the MEXICAN-AMERICAN model, a clean-shaven middle class
type in a business suit, with glasses.)
SECRETARY: (Impressed.) Where have you been hiding this one? SANCHO: He just came in this morning. Ain‟t he a beauty? Feast you eyes on him! Sturdy U.S.
Steel frame, streamlined, modern. As a matter of fact, he is built exactly like our Anglo models,
except that he comes in a variety of darker shades: naugahide, leather or leatherette.
SECRETARY: (Smells.) Old Sobaco, my favorite.
From the quotation above, we can see the specification that the Secretary
American, He is good looking, looks smart, clean, has a good smell. That is the
criteria of the Secretary wants from the Mexican American model.
Secretary: That‟s much better, but you didn‟t answer my question. Does he speak English?
Sancho: Bueno no pero, he has other. Secretary: No.(Valdez,1965: 95)
Secretary : No, Mr. Sancho, I don‟t think this.
Secretary: No, No, No! We can‟t have any more thieves in the State Administration. Put him back.
Secretary: No, I‟m sorry we can‟t buy anything but American products. . He just won‟t do
Sancho: but he‟s an antique
Secretary : I don‟t care . You don‟t understand what we need. It‟s true we need a Mexican models such as these, but it is more important that he be American. (Valdez,1965 :235)
From the quotation above we can see that the conflicts start. The conflict
in this work of literature is when The Secretary wants to find a model which can
speak English and fit to fulfill the position in Governor‟s Reagan parliament. She
wants the best model to fulfill the position, because of that, She asks the seller to give
her so many options for that. That‟s why The Honest Sancho who is the seller offers
her some models that he sells in his shop. The problems start to raise, the simple
saying is the moments above is introducing the problems. The complication in this
work of literature has a significant role, because it is the starting point of the conflict
in this work of literature. So, from the process of the complication the plot will raise
3. Crisis
After the process of complication, we can see the phase which can be
called as crisis. The crisis is the turning point , the separation between what has gone
before and what will come after. The crisis is usually a decision or action undertaken
to resolve the conflict( Roberts 1987, 101). The crisis in this play starts when The
Honest Sancho introduces all the models that he had. The Secretary can‟t find the
models that she wants so much.
The Honest Sancho offers the models that he sells. He tries to offer the
Secretary from one model into another models. The model which the Honest Sancho
offers to the Secretary are The Farmworker, Johny Pachuco, Revolucionario,
Mexican American (Eric Garcia).
Although The Honest Sancho has offered The Secretary some models,
from The Farm Worker until Johny Pachuco, The Secretary can not find the model
that she wants much to fulfill the position. This process called “crisis” because it will
be the turning point between the last moments to the what will happens in the next
moment.
SECRETARY: That‟s right, and judging from what you‟ve shown me, I don‟t think you have what
we want. Well, my lunch hour‟s almost over, I better … SANCHO: Wait a minute! Mexican but American?
SECRETARY: That‟s correct. (Valdes,1965: 236)
From the quotation above we can see that the phase which is called crisis
play go. The crisis in this play is when the Secretary wants to find a Mexican
American which is cheap enough, and have good qualities to fullfil the position in
Governor Reagan‟s parliament. After the Honest Sancho gives her so many options,
she can not find the model that can fulfill the parliament.
4. Climax
The next process of this conflict is climax. This is the top/peak of the
problems of the play itself. The climax in this play is when the models try to catch the
Secretary because Secretary makes them to be angry. They are angry because the
models feel that the Secretary has a lot of excuse in choosing the models that she
wants.
The peak of this play is when the Mexican American or Eric Garcia was
offered by the Honest Sancho to the Secretary
SANCHO: Mexican but … (A sudden flash.) American! Yeah, I think
Ta-ra-ra-raaaa! (SANCHO brings out the MEXICAN-AMERICAN model, a clean-shaven middle class
type in a business suit, with glasses.)
SECRETARY: (Impressed.) Where have you been hiding this one? SANCHO: He just came in this morning. Ain‟t he a beauty? Feast you eyes on him! Sturdy U.S.
Steel frame, streamlined, modern. As a matter of fact, he is built exactly like our Anglo models,
except that he comes in a variety of darker shades: naugahide, leather or leatherette.
From the quotation above, the process of climax is reached. The Secretary
finds the model that she wants. She can find a model which is good enough, he is
more intelligent, cleaner than the previous models. When The Honest Sancho asks
him to give an act to show his capability, at first Mexican American or Eric Garcia
gives his capability to give speech in congress situation. His speech is about
supporting American government and tells about the Mexican American‟s capability
who are stupid, uneducated, criminal, etc. Suddenly when the Secretary wants to try
him, the Mexican American gives another version of speech. He gives speech like the
writer shown below.
Mexican American: RAZA QUERIDA VAMOS LEVANTANDO ARMAS PARA LIBERARNOS DE ESTOS DESGRACIADOS GABACHOS QUE NOS EXPLOTAN!!VAMOS.
Secretary: What did he say?
Sancho: Something about lifting arms, killing white people, etc. Secretary: but he‟s not supposed to say that! ( Valdez, 1965: 328)
From the quotation above, we can see that the Mexican American is
angry. He shows his anger. The diction that he choose to express his anger is a cruel,
hard words. He says his language which can be translated that he wants to kill white
people, lifting arms, etc.
This phase shows us the climax of this play. After the process of
introduction, the rising of conflict and this is the peak of this work of literature. From
the quotation above, we can clearly see the feeling of the character of Mexican
hard. Mexican American also make an important effort in this phase of the plot
structure, because this will be the peak of this play.
5. Resolution
The final process of the plot is resolution. The resolution in this work of
literature also has an important effect, because the resolution in this work of literature
is the conclusion and the end of the plot structure.
After Secretary goes away because the models try to catch her, the
models chat each other. The models talks about the Secretary who can be lied
because she does not know that the real model is The Honest Sancho. The models are
successful in tricking her. After she goes away the models also divide the money that
they have gotten from the Secretary.
Johny: Man, that was a long one, ese? Farm Worker: How did we do?
Johny: Pretty Good, look all that lana, man!
Revolucionario: En la madre, look at all the money. Johny: We keep this up, we‟re going to be rich Farm Worker: They think we‟re machines. Revolucionario: Burros
Johny: Puppets (Valdez,1965: 353-362)
From the quotation above we can see that the models chat each other
about the Secretary. The models feel that their success to trick the Secretary is an
