Junot Diaz's Fiesta 1980
Papi’s Control
Junot Diaz, author of “Fiesta, 1980,” highlights the life of a Dominican Republic family.
The story is set in 1980, Bronx, NY and centers around Yunior, the main character, narrative of their everyday life, his father Papi, and the events leading up to the “Fiesta.” Papi suggests a “Fiesta” (which means party in Spanish) and the entire family accepts the idea. This act set the underlining tone of Papi’s domineering presence. In this story, Papi displays different aspects of his controlling personality by demanding respect, creating unhealthy fear with his family, and making his sons feel complicit by exposing them to the knowledge of his adulterous relationship. Papi’s personality from the beginning exhibits his commanding presence by his suggestion to have a party and …show more content…
the family falling in line. Yunior, the protagonist, starts the story by explaining how his mother, brother, and sister are ready and waiting when his father arrives home. This is a smart move on behalf of the family as Yunior explains, “If Papi had walked in and caught us lounging around in our underwear, man, he would have kicked our asses something serious,” (Diaz, 271). This statement illustrate the family members understanding of what Papi’s expectations are and if they do not adhere a penalty will be given. It is also clear that Papi rules the family from the minute he arrives home. For instance, when he arrives home he does not say a word, but comes into the house and proceeds into the bathroom to take a shower. Yunior shares how the Papi displays his power by putting up his hand to silence and dismiss his mother until he is ready to talk.
Yunior’s mother did not protest Papi’s arrogant behavior and other signs of his overbearing personality.
Which are evident in the way she anxiously adjusts her belt buckle over and over again. Yunior also gives insight into his mother understanding and non- confrontational response to Papi when he asks the question about whether or not the kids have eaten. She responds by nodding (yes), states, “Dios mio” (272), and takes the blame by saying “It’s not his fault” (272). After her response a state of intense fear arise in the family as Papi’s anger starts to show. Ravi (Yunior’s brother) moves away from Yunior not wanting to be near the possible smack, fearing he could receive one as well. Madai (Yunior’s sister) was too afraid to open her eyes, and as Yunior explains Papi’s tirades turns her into a wuss. Yunior did not look into Papi’s eyes in fear of a smack as he responds to Papi’s question. In addition, Papi wants to make sure the family undoubtedly understands his power by pulling Yunior up by his ear and saying, “If the throw up” (272), which is a threat that there will be consequences if this happens. Yunior’s tone is clear that Papi runs the house with an iron
fist. Throughout the story Yunior reminisces about his relationship with Papi. Yunior hopes that one day the relationship will get better, but it stays the same. Papi seems to care about Yunior when his stomach gives him problems riding in their new VW van. Whenever Papi and Yunior ride together in the family new VW, Yunior throws up. It probably does not help that the throwing up begins in the van right after Papi introduces Yunior to his Puerto Rican mistress. Maybe Yunior’s throwing up occurs because of his remembrance of the Puerto Rican woman. This could be the result of anxiety he feels while holding in the secret of dealing with his Papi cheating. Not only does Yunior hold on to the secret of his Papi’s mistress, but Rafi knows the secret as well. Both young men visit her house and eat as if nothing is wrong. Over time they become complacent and reluctantly accepts Papi’s affair. However, inside of Yunior heart he knows it is wrong. Yunior does not feel comfortable or good about the fact that Papi has a relationship with “The Puerto Rican” woman.
The connection of Yunior and his is father unmistakably complicated. Papi is Yunior father, the provider for their family, and he is dominating. Yunior wants Papi to be more loving and understanding, but that does not come into fruition. Yunior desires to have a good relationship with Papi, but with his demand for respect, controlling personality, and adulterous relationship, Papi makes it hard to become a reality.
Junot Diaz, author of “Fiesta, 1980,” highlights the life of a Dominican Republic family.
The story is set in 1980, Bronx, NY and centers around Yunior, the main character, narrative of their everyday life, his father Papi, and the events leading up to the “Fiesta.” Papi suggests a “Fiesta” (which means party in Spanish) and the entire family accepts the idea. This act set the underlining tone of Papi’s domineering presence. In this story, Papi displays different aspects of his controlling personality by demanding respect, creating unhealthy fear with his family, and making his sons feel complicit by exposing them to the knowledge of his adulterous relationship. Papi’s personality from the beginning exhibits his commanding presence by his suggestion to have a party and …show more content…
the family falling in line. Yunior, the protagonist, starts the story by explaining how his mother, brother, and sister are ready and waiting when his father arrives home. This is a smart move on behalf of the family as Yunior explains, “If Papi had walked in and caught us lounging around in our underwear, man, he would have kicked our asses something serious,” (Diaz, 271). This statement illustrate the family members understanding of what Papi’s expectations are and if they do not adhere a penalty will be given. It is also clear that Papi rules the family from the minute he arrives home. For instance, when he arrives home he does not say a word, but comes into the house and proceeds into the bathroom to take a shower. Yunior shares how the Papi displays his power by putting up his hand to silence and dismiss his mother until he is ready to talk.
Yunior’s mother did not protest Papi’s arrogant behavior and other signs of his overbearing personality.
Which are evident in the way she anxiously adjusts her belt buckle over and over again. Yunior also gives insight into his mother understanding and non- confrontational response to Papi when he asks the question about whether or not the kids have eaten. She responds by nodding (yes), states, “Dios mio” (272), and takes the blame by saying “It’s not his fault” (272). After her response a state of intense fear arise in the family as Papi’s anger starts to show. Ravi (Yunior’s brother) moves away from Yunior not wanting to be near the possible smack, fearing he could receive one as well. Madai (Yunior’s sister) was too afraid to open her eyes, and as Yunior explains Papi’s tirades turns her into a wuss. Yunior did not look into Papi’s eyes in fear of a smack as he responds to Papi’s question. In addition, Papi wants to make sure the family undoubtedly understands his power by pulling Yunior up by his ear and saying, “If the throw up” (272), which is a threat that there will be consequences if this happens. Yunior’s tone is clear that Papi runs the house with an iron
fist. Throughout the story Yunior reminisces about his relationship with Papi. Yunior hopes that one day the relationship will get better, but it stays the same. Papi seems to care about Yunior when his stomach gives him problems riding in their new VW van. Whenever Papi and Yunior ride together in the family new VW, Yunior throws up. It probably does not help that the throwing up begins in the van right after Papi introduces Yunior to his Puerto Rican mistress. Maybe Yunior’s throwing up occurs because of his remembrance of the Puerto Rican woman. This could be the result of anxiety he feels while holding in the secret of dealing with his Papi cheating. Not only does Yunior hold on to the secret of his Papi’s mistress, but Rafi knows the secret as well. Both young men visit her house and eat as if nothing is wrong. Over time they become complacent and reluctantly accepts Papi’s affair. However, inside of Yunior heart he knows it is wrong. Yunior does not feel comfortable or good about the fact that Papi has a relationship with “The Puerto Rican” woman.
The connection of Yunior and his is father unmistakably complicated. Papi is Yunior father, the provider for their family, and he is dominating. Yunior wants Papi to be more loving and understanding, but that does not come into fruition. Yunior desires to have a good relationship with Papi, but with his demand for respect, controlling personality, and adulterous relationship, Papi makes it hard to become a reality.