Importance of Houston

Houston is the primary setting in which the chapter “Ecstasy” takes hold. This is the city in which Tolentino was raised at an Evangelical school. Because of this, Houston symbolizes a city of religious ideals and childhood innocence for Tolentino. Although Houston is characterized as one of the most diverse cities in the nation, it has a history of segregation and the frequent exploitation of minority groups. Tolentino demonstrates the unexpected contrast of strip clubs and its geographical proximity to gleaming churches next door. With this imagery, Tolentino suggests that Houston is a city with many contradictions.