What is the significance of Papi’s Volkswagen in “Fiesta 1980”? Why does the main character, Yunior, always puke when riding it? Yunior’s dad believes that the vomiting has to do with poorly timed meals. The vomiting seems more likely to be a result of both Yunior’s anxieties and the new North-American lifestyle. The Volkswagen itself may be symbolistic of the change from the Dominican Republic to America. It is brand new, and representative of the lavish and over-the-top lifestyle of the United States of America. The change is too much for Yunior to handle, so he constantly throws up in this vehicle. This never happened to Yunior before in any other vehicle. Another thing that likely never happened, or Yunior was not aware of previously, is his father’s want for a new wife. Papi uses this van to cheat on his wife and impress the Puerto-Rican woman during his visits to her home. The brothers, Yunior and Rafa, fear their father the most, especially when he gets angry. This is shown in the first paragraph of page 23, where Yunior mentions that if Papi saw them running around naked, he would have kicked them. This may be another contributing factor to Yunior’s tummy issues when riding the Volkswagen. Yunior knows that his dad is cheating on his wife, and that his mom is hurting deep down because of her marriage. He may also be vomiting as a result of the anxieties brought on by his family-related issues and the radical change of lifestyle that accompanies the move between two countries.
Hi Vanessa,
You made an interesting point about Yunior’s vomiting likely being the result of anxieties about immigration, his new American lifestyle, and his father’s infidelity. Perhaps it is somewhat of a cry for help. Yunior and Rafa are both insistent on not telling their mother (and Tia) about the infidelity; however, the fact that he only vomits in that particular vehicle draws attention to it and is perhaps a hint to others regarding what it’s being used for (i.e., infidelity)
Hi Vanessa, I definitely agree that the Volkswagen is included as a way to symbolize the changes in their lives that come with the immigration, as well as a reflection of their already strained family relationships, which only worsen when Ramón begins his affair. Examining not only Yunior’s physical reaction in the Volkswagen, but the interactions he has inside it, provides a better understanding of the effect that all this has on Yunior—if the story only took place inside this van, it would still be pretty representative of his struggles. We can see the mostly nonverbal conversations taking place between him and Rafa, the only form of communication safe from Ramón’s ears, and the mother’s concern being brushed aside by Yunior, again out of fear that he might slip up and have to face his father’s punishment. Most central to the story, of course, are these interactions with Ramón: the near-silent car rides that brought Yunior a sense of closeness with his Papi that, on trips with the rest of the family, could not be achieved.
Focusing in on the VW van is an excellent way of considering assimilation and the difficulties of “fitting in” in a new country, as well as family dynamics and the father’s abuse. Great work, Vanessa, and excellent conversation, Izabella and Sara!