Alyshia & Brandon
The use of second person by Carlos Fuentes in his story, “Aura,” helps to strengthen the character development throughout the text. It is in fact a fascinating way of writing and it skillfully captures all of the characteristics and thoughts of the individual in a clever way. In this text, it is clear from the beginning that the person being spoken of is intelligent, yet youthful. Sometimes wisdom is associated with age, but not here. We are told of Felipe Montero’s intelligence when he is found to be reading a newspaper that is most directly speaking to him when it reads, “Wanted, young historian, conscientious, neat. Perfect knowledge colloquial French” (832). Though his attention is geared to this opportunity, he’s rather passive in his decision to take the position. When he sees the advertisement again is when he decides to act (833). This act speaks to Felipe’s lack of sureness and need for reassurance. His weak character is further exposed when in initial conversation with the woman. She persistently assures him that though the memoir’s of her late husband are unfinished, she will tell him what to write. For example, he says, “But the General himself? Wouldn’t he be able to…” (835). She then shuts him down with a quick response. She does so again when he replies with, “But.” It is in this instance his lack of confidence and control shows, proving him to be justifiably characterized as weak.
By the end of Fuentes’ short story “Aura”, the use of second person has you as a reader fully invested in his theme of magical surrealism. This use has you in a similar trance just like Felipe because by the time you reach the end of the story, you feel as if you are Felipe at this point. All this time you’re thinking that Aura isn’t real, she’s just a dream, but she turns out to be more than just a dream. In reality, she’s an extension of Señora Consuelo. Just as Felipe is to General Llorente. Ironically, it is Felipe who is the dream or who’s in a trance and has to wake up to become his true self. “I’m going toward my youth, and my youth is coming toward me,” (851). I believe that quote perfectly describes the situation for Señora Consuelo because reality was about to reveal itself. Aura is her youthful past and that revelation casts Felipe out of his dreamlike world. “You love her, you too have come back,” (852). This is where Felipe is now his true self, General Llorente. Without the use of the second person, I don’t think you as a reader would have been as sucked in and invested.
1 response so far ↓
JMERLE // Nov 15th 2015 at 11:29 am
In the first paragraph, you need to get specific about why the use of the second person strengthens the narrative. Also, although you speak about a few important points of Felipe’s character, you don’t connect this to the second person (your task).
In the second paragraph, you are quite right to note that the second person pulls the reader into the narrative, and also that there is a trance-like quality to this POV. you also mention an important theme, the blur between reality and dream, but ;you also nee3d to connect this more explicitly with the use of the second person.
7/10