Fiesta short story blog

Fiesta Short Story

A lot of people focused on the symbolism that Diaz uses, such as the VW van, as the main reason Junior vomits; however, I want to look at his use of characterization. Junior’s character is one that is really passive, but underneath his shyness is a cry for help. The theme is see is that silence seems to be the loudest cry of inward pain.

Junior cannot stomach being quiet and remaining in the company of his dads, but his culture demands a sense of respect from a young man. This is seen though, “How’s it going in the equipment?  Are you ok?... I didn’t say anything…Maybe it was family loyalty, maybe I just wanted to protect Mami or I was afraid that Papi would find out.” Throughout the story we see Diaz use of his of his Spanish vocabulary. This promotes the effect of his rich culture on his life. This quote coupled with the part that shows another child being abused and ignored by the guests to reflect how abuse may be common place in this neighborhood. The fact that Junior cannot verbalize the abuse to his loved aunt shows that private life is thought to be always be kept confidential even when it comes to abuse.

I also look at the significance within the family dynamic. Fear drives everyone who comes into contact with Papi into a state of submission. This is seen through,” If you throw up- I won’t, I cried, tears in my eyes, more out of reflex than pain.” At this point in the story Mama is very inactive in efforts to defend her son. The fact that Rafa is acting out of reflex, shows that all his life he has been beaten and now he is simply conditioned to cry. If you do not obey the law you are punished this family dynamic is dysfunctional due to the lack of communication. Mama must see the pain in her sons eyes and the aggressive nature of her husband; moreover, her silence I believe is the reason this abuse is allowed to progress.

Diaz uses more than symbolism to reflect his warning of silent but deadly abuse. He shows through his diction, “Succia” meaning dirty female which reflects the dads dirty actions, and “Yunior” showing how he still holds his Spanish heritage close, that it is important to him. He shows how he puts himself into this story to pull out key elements of life. He also uses each character to play a role in society. With each passive act of his mom she allows her sons to reap the abuse that she protects herself from. I believe Diaz even foreshadows the womanizing acts of Papi rubbing off on Rafa. This is seen when he goes off with both girls and does god knows what. He instinctively has a way with both girls and is attracted to them. His father did not have the characteristics or portrayal that a dad should; therefore, his son follows in the same footsteps, I believe Diaz uses Fiesta as a warning that abuse can come in many forms, so sometimes silent actions can speak the loudest.