Saturday, April 7, 2012
inheritance of problems
Although we begin the book by experiencing the many struggles that his family endures, we find that Oscar de Leon is the product of a long line of oppression. Through his relation of modern concerns (such as videogames and science fiction) to the more basic necessities of life for wellbeing (Abelard protecting his family), I have found Junot Diaz to make a strong statement about the perpetual nature of struggling through generations of families despite the changing times. Since the beginning of the book, I have been attempting to diagnose the source of the difficulties that surround Oscar and Lola. At first glance, it seems that Beli is the cause for all of the difficulties of the brother and sister. However, after experiencing the hardships that Beli’s father Abelard goes through to protect his family, we can see that Trujillo is the most direct cause. However, due to the redundant nature of this formula, can we truly place the blame on Trujillo? Wouldn’t there have to be something in his past that can be blamed for his misogynistic and oppressive behaviors? I agree with the idea that Ryan brought up in class today- the patriarchal institution is to blame. I am not sure how the family’s relationships will end at this point, but I am remaining optimistic.
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I find it interesting that Trujillo is described every time as having a very shrill voice. Could this be a physical manifestation of the insecurity and past oppression fueling his megalomania?
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about the shrill voice thing... interesting.
ReplyDeleteIf Matt is right--that Trujillo really isn't enough of an answer--then maybe we are back to colonialism itself as an answer/cause. But I suspect that Diaz might say that even that isn't enough. Perhaps, as Lola might say, all of this fuku stuff is just "life."