The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

by

Junot Díaz

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Symbols

Páginas en blanco (Blank pages)

Blank pages recur throughout the novel, sometimes as pieces of paper that are literally blank, and sometimes as writing that has been lost or erased. While “páginas en blanco” is literally the name…

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The Mongoose and the Man with No Face

The Man with No Face represents the “fukú” curse at work in the world. Many times when a character undergoes hardship or tragedy, they see a man with no face. Beli thinks she sees a…

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Blackness

In the racial milieu of the Dominican Republic (as in America), skin color takes on significance beyond simple melanin. Blackness represents misfortune and poverty, whereas lighter skin tones symbolize success and wealth. Characters are warned…

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