Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish

The book opens with Marcus’s interpretation of the way other students see him at school. According to him, they “clear out of the way” (1) when they see him. He assumes that the fidgeting and nail-biting that he notices when other students are around him must be due to fear. His assumptions are not unfounded; he is called names related to his size and overhears the rumors about his strength, but as the book unfolds, it becomes clear that his interpretations reflect his own insecurities rather than the truth. Most of the other children are in awe of Marcus rather than fearful of him. He is not only big for his age, but he is also biracial. He is different, and “different” is not easy for Marcus, who would like to blend in. Charlie is also different from other students, as he is also biracial and is the first student with Down syndrome to be admitted to their school. This makes him stand out, especially at their school which is shown to lack understanding, diversity, and inclusivity. Stephen’s mother, who balks at the thought of her child sharing a class with a student with Down syndrome, exemplifies intolerance, and Charlie’s mother must reach out to a “large national association” (16) to force the school to admit her son. This highlights the school’s bias against children with Down syndrome.

However, this stigmatization and stereotyping does not bother Charlie, who unabashedly wears his Wonka hat and gives out high fives to other students, many of whom are friendly to him. Charlie is naturally optimistic, while Marcus is naturally pessimistic, having battled misconceptions about his character and his family. This pessimism leads to suspicion when people know too much about him or are friendly toward him. For example, Marcus is “shocked” that Danny knows he has to get back to school quickly to pick his brother up and helps streamline Marcus’s afternoon to make that possible. When Danny suggests they hang out, Marcus rejects him, saying, “I don’t do playdates” (13). He is naturally skeptical of others’ motives and maintains a self-protective emotional distance from them.

Marcus uses these early chapters to introduce his relationship with his mother and his brother and to highlight the importance of working together as a team, a theme that runs throughout the narrative. Melissa refers to Charlie and Marcus as her “all-star team” (22) and ends all of her messages with “Go team go” (22). Marcus had to grow up quickly, often taking care of Charlie and himself alone after school. He is not presented as resentful; he knows that they are struggling financially and that his mother is doing her best to provide for them. His representation of his family unit is one of love, unity, and self-sufficiency; he sees the three of them as a team united against the world. Marcus takes on the role of his brother’s protector and his mother’s helper willingly and without seeking praise or recognition. He demonstrates maturity by accepting these commitments as his necessary role in the family. The ingenious ways in which Marcus earns money to contribute to the household funds without making his mother aware of his efforts demonstrate his understanding of his family’s financial challenges. Likewise, he shows his empathy for his mother by waiting up for her when she comes home late from work, warming her soup, and keeping her company. Marcus may see himself as a monstrous “Terrible Tower” (1), but his interactions with his family demonstrate his empathy, love, and patience.