Clones are defined by the University of Utah as exact genetic copies. Due to recent scientific advancements, such organisms can be created in a laboratory. However, despite controversy surrounding this new biological technique, genetic clones can occur naturally in the form of twins, which begs the question of what is considered part of the human race, and what isn’t. Based on the events taking place in “The House of the Scorpion”, it is clear that Matteo Alacrán is in fact a human being, as he possesses the same organs and genetic information as a typical individual, accomplishes and learns from life events to the same degree as the majority of his peers, and is capable of personal emotion no less than those considered normal. To begin, Matteo Alacrán, otherwise known as Matt, is a true human being because he possesses physical characteristics identical to a typical individual. Receiving the finest care of all genetic clones within the boundaries of Opium, it isn’t until he comes of age when he makes a stunning revelation of the sole purpose of his existence. “Matt’s education and accomplishments were a sham. It didn’t matter how intelligent he was. In the end …show more content…
If Matt, the single clone holding an intelligence left intact, is able of any task fit for those considered human, it is nonsensical for him to immediately be dismissed as a beast. For example, as Matt is given an extravagant life as a clone of El Patrón, his caretakers are stunned of his capabilities. “He studied via distance learning over the TV, Tam Lin sent off the homework, it came back with excellent grades, and Celia praised Matt lavishly.” (84) Compared with whom he is associated, supportive and detrimental alike, the difference between the accomplishment of everyday actions is virtually nonexistent. Thus, the assumption of Matt’s inhumanity remains