As far as Alligator Bayou is concerned, there may not be two regions that contrast more than Cefalu, Sicily and Tallulah, Louisiana at the turn of the twentieth century. One is homey and alive and full of Sicilians who value and respect Calo, and the other is full of hatred, confusion, new rules, and murder. Gee—which would you prefer? Calogero can't help but notice the differences, and understandably, generally prefers his homeland—especially since he didn't come to the U.S. by choice. So though our book never takes place in Sicily, Calo's home looms large in its pages nonetheless.
Questions About Contrasting Regions
- How does Calogero deal with his feelings of homesickness?
- In what ways are these two regions similar?
- Do you think Calogero will ever go back to Tallulah? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Because Tallulah is so different from Sicily, Calogero has a hard time feeling at home and getting comfortable.
The biggest difference between the regions is the attitude of the people who live there.