Diarios de Motocicleta

The scenes of the film that helped prepare Ernesto to become the leader of the revolution in Latin America were ones in which he saw great injustice. A significant scene supporting this was when he met the couple and then the many others at the mine. These farmers were evicted from their fertile and productive land and left with nothing. Ernesto commented that it was when he spent time with these desperate people that he felt close to the human race. He connected with them and their plight to the point that he gave the couple the $15.00 he refused to spend on his friend or himself, even when their own situation seemed dire. He felt drawn to the Ruins and imagined the civilization that was likely treated unjust and ultimately defeated, causing them to become extinct. His compassion for the suppressed and helpless people was tied to his severe case of asthma. Scenes displaying severe asthma attacks showed his helplessness and offered him an avenue to relate to the sick and suffering. He most directly showed this when caring for the lepers. It was these experiences that caused him to reflect on his life purpose and become the revolutionary leader. An example of a celebration was when they celebrated Ernesto's birthday. Similarities include the tradition of singing the happy birthday song, the birthday cake, and blowing out candles on the cake. One primary difference, is that in the United States we usual celebrate with our closest of family and friends. In contrast, this hot weather culture celebrates with mere strangers. It is with people he has only known for 3 weeks that he celebrates his birthday, as though they were close friends.