Introduction
Yunior is a crucial character and a significant player in the events in Junot Diaz’s short story “Ysrael,” which was included in the book Drown in 1996. Yunior is portrayed as a dynamic and complicated character during the narrative, with many facets of his personality revealed through his encounters and interactions with other characters.
This essay will examine Yunior’s character development and explore how he evolves and develops over the narrative. Moreover, it will focus on three crucial passages in the story that demonstrate Yunior’s metamorphosis and showcase how these passages add to the overall meaning of the narrative. Yunior is a round, dynamic character who experiences tremendous growth and transformation throughout the story, making him a significant figure in comprehending the themes and messages of “Ysrael,” as will be seen via the research.
Arguing for the Character
This section begins by focusing on Yunior’s original characterization and his connection to Ysrael. Yunior is depicted as dismissive and demeaning of Ysrael when he and his brother Rafa first meet him, referring to him as “a freak show” (Diaz 1). Yunior is initially described as cruel and insensitive, who enjoys making fun of other people for their physical peculiarities.
However, as the narrative goes on, Yunior’s perspective on Ysrael changes. He empathizes with Ysrael and grows increasingly intrigued about his condition, admitting that “he couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be so different” (Diaz 3). This change in Yunior’s perspective shows his developing sensitivity and maturity, demonstrating that he is a dynamic character who can change.
Additional early indications indicate Yunior’s callousness and dismissive attitude towards Ysrael. For instance, Yunior makes fun of Ysrael when he boards the bus and sits down next to Rafa by stating, “I bet if we throw a rock at him, he won’t even blink” (Diaz 2). This statement demonstrates Yunior’s desire to act cruelly toward others, even without apparent justification.
The story’s suspense increases as the boys board the bus to visit Ysrael. As a result of his contact with Rafa and his inner thoughts, Yunior’s character is further developed throughout the adventure. Yunior admits that seeing Ysrael made him nervous as the lads sat on the bus, adding, “I was terrified to see him. Like seeing him was a sin” (Diaz 13). This statement implies that Yunior is terrified of Ysrael’s character and what he stands for as a symbol of the cruelty and violence existing in their society. The story’s more significant social themes, like poverty and marginalization, are brought to light by Yunior’s anxiety.
Later in the journey, Yunior thinks about who he is and declares, “I was no longer the same Yunior. I was now the Yunior who feared looking (Diaz 14). This moment demonstrates that Yunior is starting to face his prejudices and concerns and is prepared to consider his identity in light of the oppression and violence he observes around him. This self-analysis shows the development and changes Yunior experiences throughout the narrative as he learns more about his privilege and how it affects the misery of others.
This essay’s third body paragraph will focus on Yunior’s behavior during the dramatic scene when Ysrael’s mask is torn off. Understanding Yunior’s reaction to this incident is essential to understanding how his personality develops throughout the narrative. Rafa begs Yunior to assist in tearing off Ysrael’s mask, but at first, he refuses, responding, “I don’t know, man” (Diaz 7). But as the other boys carry out the act, Yunior eventually joins in, removing a piece of the mask himself.
Yunior’s internal fight over whether or not to remain faithful to Rafa is evident in this situation. Yunior feels guilty and confused as the violent act ends, and Ysrael flees. “What had they just done?” he asks himself. (Diaz 8) and considers the effects of their deeds. Yunior begins to question his acts and the actions of others around him at this point in his contemplation, which marks a turning point in the development of his character. Overall, Yunior’s actions during the story’s pivotal moment highlight the moral ambiguity that is a major theme of the narrative and show how complex his character is.
Conclusion
Yunior is a complicated and dynamic character in “Ysrael” who experiences tremendous development and transformation throughout the narrative. Yunior’s path is self-discovery and contemplation, from his early hesitation to interact with Ysrael to his eventual conclusion that they are not that different. We have learned more about the themes and messages of the novel, such as the perils of prejudice and the value of empathy and understanding, through looking at Yunior’s experiences and interactions with other characters. Yunior’s development and transformation serve as a compelling reminder of each of us’ capacity for growth and change despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. Yunior is a significant and unforgettable character, and readers will be left thinking about his trip long after they have read “Ysrael.”
Work Cited
Diaz, Junot. “Yisrael.” Drown, Riverhead Books, 1996, pp. 3-20.