Chapter 4 Summary

When it is time, the town midwife, Angelina, is summoned to assist Socorro with the birth of her child. The moon is full, and the animals around the house begin to howl and the echo is answered by other animals with each of Socorro's screams. The midwife reminds the girls in attendance that men cannot stand pain as women can, and also, that men do not feel the pain and responsibility of lovemaking as women do. Lupe is congratulated on her assistance as Socorro delivers first one, then another baby.

Chapter 4 Analysis

The scene symbolizes the birth of Jesus in the manger as the animals in the vicinity begin to call out to each other with Socorro's screams during childbirth. And their living quarters are not much more than a manager.

Lupe is allowed to stay through the proceedings, and is congratulated for...