hjn

There are many needed elements to writing a fiction piece, but not all are necessary to produce a good story and often some elements are more important than others. Every story needs a plot; it’s what makes the story, it gives meaning to the characters and the sequence of the story. Every so often the setting and characterization elements tell the story by itself, just as Junot Díaz ensured in Drown. Díaz showcased the setting and characterization the most allowing it to tell the story along with the plot. Díaz’s goal was to have his readers stand in the shoes of Yunior and see life through his eyes.

The setting in Drown plays a key part in telling the story. The moment Yunior starts telling his story I saw Díaz’s craft accentuate, giving Yunior’s life complexity and depth. “Beto was leaving for college at the end of the summer and was delirious from the thought of it – he hated everything about the neighborhood, the break-apart buildings, the little strips of grass, the piles of garbage around the cans, and the dump, especially the dump” (Barnet 425). Díaz’s description of the setting drew attention to a scenery of poverty, which must have been awful because Beto is always excited when he thinks about going away for college and leaving the neighborhood. The way Díaz introduced the setting so bluntly, anyone who came from a familiar place of poverty can relate to how Yunior’s thoughts and reality may make him feel trapped in his neighborhood. Díaz’s use of description helped him tremendously when illustrating the setting, he allowed his readers to draw conclusions against the true pictures he’s painting. “Before we head out she drags us through the apartment to make sure the windows are locked. She can’t reach the latches so s...

... middle of paper ...

...urn out. Going nowhere” (Barnet 432). I admire Díaz’s use of representing the theme through the tittle; drown, meaning rough, violent, and poor which gives definition to the whole story from beginning to end.

Not all elements are necessary when writing a story and some are more relevant than others. It takes thought to analyze what an author is trying to share with you and using these elements help them achieve their goals without saying it directly. The elements of fiction are the foundation of a great story. Díaz produced a powerful story showcasing social sensitivity, which left thoughts and appreciation for his writing skill, to grasp attention and showcase so much meaning using some elements more than others.

Works Cited

Barnet, Sylvan, William Burto, and William E. Cain. An Introduction to Literature.16th Edition.

Boston: Pearson Education, 2010. Print.