6
So far in Drown, we've seen two stories that are structured to be divided into 6 parts: "Ysrael" and "Aguantando". When I noticed this, I found myself wondering if there was any special significance to dividing up the stories in this way. Why these stories specifically? They don't seem to be any longer than the other stories. And why in both of them are they in exactly 6 parts? What is significant about 6? Is it just a coincidence? These stories were written as separate short stories and then put into this collection, so what makes Diaz choose to put this structure in his stories?
What I first noticed about "Ysrael" and "Aguantando" is that they are both narrated from the perspective of Yunior. Perhaps Yunior's stories are all written in 6 parts? But "Fiesta, 1980" is also from Yunior's perspective, and it doesn't follow that same structure, so it can't just be a style unique to any story narrated by Yunior. Looking deeper at the stories, however, I realized that there is something that "Ysrael" and "Aguantando" have in common separate from "Fiesta, 1980". A father (or, rather, a lack of one). So perhaps Yunior's stories from before he had a father are narrated in 6 parts?
What I first noticed about "Ysrael" and "Aguantando" is that they are both narrated from the perspective of Yunior. Perhaps Yunior's stories are all written in 6 parts? But "Fiesta, 1980" is also from Yunior's perspective, and it doesn't follow that same structure, so it can't just be a style unique to any story narrated by Yunior. Looking deeper at the stories, however, I realized that there is something that "Ysrael" and "Aguantando" have in common separate from "Fiesta, 1980". A father (or, rather, a lack of one). So perhaps Yunior's stories from before he had a father are narrated in 6 parts?
That seems a little too specific to be the reasoning, though. I took another look at all of the different parts of the story to see if there were specific themes in each of the different sections. However, the sections all seemed fairly different - the only noticeable similarities were that they followed a similar plot structure, but right now there doesn't seem to be a specific reason to divide up the parts as they are. I'm hoping that there might be more stories styled this way, so that I can see if there is a reason for Diaz's decision to divide these specific stories up into 6 parts, and possibly find similarities in reasoning for why he would put certain parts of the story under certain numbered sections.
Am I just overthinking this, or do you guys think that there is some reason for Diaz dividing these stories up as he does? Is it because they are stories about Yunior narrating his life before his dad, is there some deeper meaning, is it just a coincidence, or is there something I'm not thinking of? I hope that future stories will illuminate his reasoning, as I am generally skeptical of coincidences with structures like these.
Am I just overthinking this, or do you guys think that there is some reason for Diaz dividing these stories up as he does? Is it because they are stories about Yunior narrating his life before his dad, is there some deeper meaning, is it just a coincidence, or is there something I'm not thinking of? I hope that future stories will illuminate his reasoning, as I am generally skeptical of coincidences with structures like these.
This is interesting because to be completely honest, I didn't notice anything about 6 parts or any specific structure so I'm kind of impressed that you did. I think I tend to pay less attention to how stories are structured because I get all wrapped up in overthinking the emotional arcs and stuff.
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice the structure until reading this blog post but I find it really interesting that he chose to style these particular stories in such a way. I think it could be significant that the two stories took place before Yunior's father appeared in their lives. Perhaps the sections have something to do with the fact that until Papi came into their lives, Yunior's life seemed kind of disjointed. He lived his life running around having to fulfill many different identities almost as shown in "Ysreal" with his relationship with Rafa. When he moves to the States Papi is in control of his life and their lives seem to be much more centered together. I don't know though, this is all just speculation. Anyway, this was an interesting observation. Good post!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't really thought about the significance of the number 6 before I read your post, but I think it could be important. Since both of these stories are about Yunior and his family, it must have to relate to him somehow. I'm not sure what Diaz's reasoning is, but maybe we'll find out as we read more of his stories.
ReplyDeleteOooh interesting because I totally didn't notice this at all- I didn't even know the sections were numbered. I honestly have no idea what that's about, but the numbers have got to mean something, otherwise they would've just been section breaks. Now I'm really intrigued to keep reading and looking to see if there's any connection or significance!
ReplyDeleteI love a good conspiracy theory. Honestly while reading them I did not notice the partitioning into 6 parts, but it's becoming clearer now. I must have just flown through the numbers without really looking. This is a post that I hope you will update or bring up in class as the 6 reoccurs.
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna say this one is probably a coincidence, given that "Ysrael" didn't have its sections separated in the text (as in, with a header or numbers). Sometimes it happens that an author repeats a motif or style without even meaning to.
ReplyDeleteI did notice that some of his pieces were divided in parts and some weren't but I didn't notice that both were divided into 6. I'm not sure about this one, to me it seems it could be coincidence or it could be something only Junot Diaz knows. As far as I can see there doesn't seem much of a way to figure this one out.
ReplyDeleteI did not notice the specific division of the stories until you mentioned it in your blog post. It really made me think about what the author means not only through their words but also the structure of the text. For example Concrete poetry uses the shape of the poem to add imagery to the subject. I don't really have an answer as to why Diaz divides the stories but it could have significance later on. Who knows? Only time will tell.
ReplyDeleteThe 6 part stories is definitely an interesting observation on your part. Like many people have said, I'm unsure as to whether or not Diaz made this similarity purposely or by accident. However, judging by Diaz's writing style with different metaphors and themes throughout her stories, I wouldn't put it past her. Especially thinking about something like the idea of Ysrael and his mask and the implications of that both physically but also socially. I think it is definitely possible Diaz might have done it on purpose or with some anterior motive.
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