House Of Scorpion Character Analysis

Matt’s quest through his adventure in the House of Scorpion was to find his true identity and make Opium a better place for everyone. Through this journey, Matt maps the definition of an archetypal hero because he enters both the known and unknown worlds, gets help from numerous people, and receives a gift of compassion which he uses to make Opium a better place. Matt’s lonely early years and an inherent curious nature compel him to connect with the outside world in his call to adventure when he sees Steven, Emilia, and Maria playing outside of the small cabin that both Celia and he lived in. At that point, Matt’s curiosity overcame the strict rules set by Celia, and he broke free. Matt’s call to adventure maps one of an archetypal hero because it propels him into the cruel, unknown world of Opium. While Matt is completely unaware of the cruel treatment of clones in this world, his own journey starts with cruel treatment by Rosa, as well as compassion from Maria. These conflicting viewpoints are confusing to Matt in figuring out who he really is and what he wants to become. Even though he suffers from bullies, starvation and prejudice, his intentions are always positive just like that of an archetypal hero. Matt relies on teachings from Tam Lin and Celia, who help him figure out who he truly is and make him

Nancy Farmer describes Matt’s intent on ruling the land as “He would dig up the poppy fields and put in normal crops. Once the eejits were cured, Matt would give them the choice of returning home or working for him.” (Farmer 1). With the support of Celia, Esperanza, Daft Donald and Maria, Matt was determined to make Opium a better place for all. Matt’s return home follows the same journey of an archetypal hero’s return with elixir because Matt had transformed with goodness, compassion as well as the power to transform the country of