House of the Scorpion (4)

"The aristocrat is only a snot-faced boy who thinks he's too good for the rest of us. I am a true citizen. I've earned my privileges through hard work and obedience. No food for you tonight...No food for any of you! You will learn to obey the will of the people if it takes the next fifty years." Carlos rode off in a plume of dust and salt. "I'm proud to be with you," the little boy cried. "You're my compadres!"

 In the city of Opium, the perfect and "true citizen" is the person who obeys every single command and who performs their task without rebuttal. El Patron only wants people who listen to him and who give him absolute control over them. For that, he had scientists create the vaccine that allows him to control their thoughts and actions. El Patron makes everyone have the vaccine. Since the majority of the people are under control and obeying him then it would be normal and justice for everyone to obey him. People hypnotized by this drug promote and spread the loyalty to El Patron across the land. The Keepers of the Lost Boys orphanage tell the boys that they are worthy because they are obedient and hardworking. They convince the boys that with obedience comes a lot of rewards and privileges.

Though everyone in this world is under the control of El Patron, Matt does all that he can to free these people from this corrupt government. Matt fights against the words of the the Keepers and tries to get the boys to follow his word and his quest for freedom. Because Matt is a rebel and different from the rest of the people, the Keepers try to make him look unworthy in front of the children. The Keepers fear that Matt's different personality will spread and influence the children. Therefore, they call Matt a "snot-faced" aristocrat who thinks he is better than all of them. However, Matt works past all of his criticisms and gains the respect of the boys. Together, they do what they can to fight against the Keepers, and then against El Patron and his Opium Farm.