Josh K, Tyler, Rose and Joseph
In general, the second person perspective allows for the reader to establish him or herself in the position of the protagonist, which can often help enhance the reader’s engagement in the narrative. For this reason, we collectively believed that the use of the second person was extremely effective as it certainly made the story that much more interesting to read. More importantly however, the use of the second person helped contribute to the strengthening of both major themes and character development seen throughout the story.
One major theme that can be identified is Consuelo’s desire to relive her years of youth. She does so, by living vicariously through Aura. We see that throughout the story Consuelo and Aura act in sync with one another, “…Senora Consuelo smiles at you, nodding her head, smiling at you along with Aura, who moves her head in rhythm with the old lady’s…”(p.847-848). We see that the use of the second person perspective strengthens this theme of Consuelo’s nostalgia for youth, because now the actions of Aura and Consuelo are being directed at you, the reader, which makes it easier for the reader the identify this concept that the author is trying to illustrate. Surely enough, had the narrative been written from another point of view, the major themes would not have been as powerful, and consequently, not as identifiable.
The use of the second person strengthens surely strengthens the development of character throughout the story, but more so the idea of discovering oneself. When you, referring to Felipe Montero, read the advertisement, you are very confident that the job position is perfect for you because you are that “wanted, young historian, conscientious, neat…” and realize that “the advertisement should have two more words, in bigger, blacker type: Felipe Montero. Wanted. Felipe Montero” (832). Frank ignores the job posting by thinking that someone else has already taken the job but he constantly sees the advertisement appear in the newspaper. This scene of Felipe’s dilemna of applying for the job portrays his struggle of finding himself. Carlos Fuentes uses the word “you” to represent Felipe because he wants the audience to put themselves in Felipe’s perspective as he goes from a jobless man to the writer of the General’s memoirs.
Carlos Fuentes’s use of second person helps us relate to Felipe Montero and understand his character develop as the story goes on. Even though using second person limits the reader to the perspective of Montero it is easier to relate and get a clear sense of his development throughout the story. Since we are using second person, we only know of Aura and Senora Consuelo through Montero and what he knows of them. It is a real time update and its as Felipe is learning about these characters as we, the reader are. We are lead to believe that Aura is there against her will and her aunt is making her stating” Aura was spiritless, hypnotized by her terror, incapable of speaking in front of the tyrant… begging you to set her free(842).” As a reader we think only as Felipe thinks, so to us Aura is a prisoner in her own home and her aunt Consuelo is the one keeping her there. This also shows how audacious Montero has become while staying there and his thought of reasoning developing.
The use of a second-person point of view makes the reader feel as if they are the one who is experiencing the story as it transpires. In “Aura,” Carlos Fuentes, the author, asserts that things that happen in the past have a lingering affect on the individuals involved at the time. This idea is a recurring theme in the novel. While Felipe tries to fight back old memories and feelings, the narrator says, “You bury your face in the pillow, trying to keep the wind of the past from tearing away your features, because you don’t want to lose them” (851). When Fuentes writes, “… keep the wind of the past from tearing away your features,” it is evident that people always try to fight the effects of old age and remain as youthful as possible. Specifically, aging has a negative impact on physical beauty because it “tears away your features.” Past experiences, past issues, and the passing of time itself all cause people to change whether it is physically or mentally. In “Aura,” past events lead to Felipe losing sense of who he really is. People always try to remember and live in the past, but it is simply impossible.
1 response so far ↓
JMERLE // Nov 15th 2015 at 11:22 am
Your comment about the second person is a good one, the reader is certainly pulled into the narrative, but you need to think what other characteristics the second person has (and the effect it has on you).
Your connecting themes are valid, too: the search for youth (you could say more about how the second person strengthens this theme); the idea that the reader is, as well, going on a journey of self discovery (this is a wonderful observation); the idea that this POV can help develop character is an intriguing one, but you need to explain more about why this is so; the blur between past and present.
Work more to get much more specific about explaining how specific pieces of text are “proof” of your assertions (in this case, how they connect to the second person).
8/10