Trash

Besides the filth in which they work, and the dangers and sicknesses they are constantly trying to avoid, the people of Behala experience another side of poverty: the lack of options and the inability to aspire to more. There is so little money available that saving is nearly impossible, except for someone as clever, observant, and patient as Jun-Jun. Poverty makes the people invisible to those of a higher station, as is seen in the graveyard when the boys on the wrong side of the wall. Though they are thinner, dirtier, and more ragged than the people around them, the boys seem to be invisible to all; none of the wealthy people look at them.

The people of Behala are so poor that a cop is surprised when he learns that Raphael can read, having assumed that Raphael is either too stupid to learn or has no time since he spends all of his time in the trash. It is through Olivia’s eyes, as an outsider, that the depths of the squalor become most apparent. When she sees two boys in a cage in prison, she is horrified, but Gardo, who is used to this way of life, tells her it is not so bad.

Each of the three boys spends time in danger during the story. Often, it is only their relationship with one another that saves them. Each boy brings his own strengths to the friendship and works to help the others. Jun-Jun feels the most important part of their story is that they had “done it together” (215). Father Juilliard cares for the boys because it is his job but also because of the friendly bond they share. Gardo is gruff and can be severe with Raphael and Jun-Jun, but he knows that he is better off with them than without. Each character’s narrative arc would be markedly different without their friendships. The depth of the boys’ bond is most evident when they leave for Sampalo together and when they return the money to the dumpsite, because they feel a kinship with the other people of Behala.