On "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao", Junot Diaz examines the contemporary upbringing of Oscar and his sister Lola in a Dominican household. Both characters struggle to identify themselves in society. Oscar, despite his initial display of promiscuity, fails to succeed in any sexual encounters throughout his youth and adolescence; eventually becoming afraid that he is going to “die a virgin.” His appreciation of science fiction and appearance hide the innate feelings of love he wants to share with someone. It all reaches an inherent sadness when Oscar becomes friendzoned by Ana in a teasing display of affection.
Though all these traits are exclusive to Oscar, they nonetheless manifest into an equal display of social withdrawal that he shares with his sister. Lola is strong and outspoken, impassioned by youthful rebellion and a real hatred for her culture. The two siblings are an accurate portrayal of a family’s fractured bonds and the shared paternal history that all teenagers choose to disown. Diaz includes a narrative on their mother that reads like a retroactive reflection of Lola’s shaved head and more violent aggression. Though her mother is more subdued. She nonetheless displays similar characteristics when rebelling against La Inca.
The novel eagerly foreshadows Oscar’s demise and intrigues with the possibility of social comeuppance. Based on her creation of these three layered and complex characters, one can only hope that Diaz resumes to approach his narrative from the alternate perspectives.
Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. NY: Riverhead Books. 2007. Print.
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