Instructions:
1. Read pages 1-65* of Daniel Alarcón and Sheila Alvarado’s graphic story City of Clowns.
*Pages 1-11 in the original text-only version.*
3. Pick ONE of the following options and respond in the comment section down below. The deadline is Wednesday, 3/1 before the class.
200-word minimum.
OPTION ONE
One of the narrative goals of this first part of the novel is to put together a portrait of Lima. Based on Oscar (Chino)’s account how would you describe Perú’s capital? To what extent do Chino’s emotional state and his family’s history affect his perception of different urban environments?
OPTION TWO
The clowns in the story are not represented as humorous silly figures, what do you think the clowns are emphasizing so far? Beyond the reportage Chino is writing, what do you think is going to be their role in the story?
OPTION THREE
What does the choice of illustrating in high contrast black and white do? Pick two different sections of this first half and discuss how Sheila Alvarado’s illustrations synthesize, add layers of meaning, and/or complement Daniel Alarcón’s narration. How do you interpret the isolated illustrations without text?
Option 1
Based on Chinos account of Lima, Lima is a place that opportunity exists, however it is generally a pretty bad place to live in, with mostly dishonest people. While Chino does acknowledge that moving from Pasco to Lima gave him the opportunity to get an education, and get a good job as a journalist. Most of the anecdotes he tells about the people of Lima paint a pretty bad portrait of the city. He tells stories of people having to choose between opening their windows and almost certainly getting robbed, or closing them and sweltering in the intense heat. He also tells how it is very common for people who work in a house to set up the homeowners for robbery. By telling these stories and many more of this nature, it goes to show that Oscar thinks of the city as a place where people are very malicious and care only about themselves and not others. With that being said I don’t think his perspective is very fair, as Oscar is a very pessimistic person, along with the fact is dad just died, so he focuses mostly on the bad rather than the good. For example, he barely stops to mention how much his mothers employers helped them out out of the goodness of their hearts, which is why he was able to get educated, and instead writes mostly of robberies and other bad stuff. Because of this I am inclined to believe that there are a lot of good parts of Lima that Chino is simply just not mentioning
Given that the story takes place amidst the backdrop of both intense political unrest and poverty, the clowns often emphasize the grim realities that exist and how omnipresent they are from the soaked clown trying to sell mints on the bus to when Tonio later explains that the only other thing he could do for a living is stealing, all paired with the clowns trying to hold it together with their forced smiles along the way.
But in the context of Chino, clowns emphasize the feelings of absurdity, confusion, and loss that exist within his life, particularly as these feelings are juxtaposed with both the described lack of surprise regarding his father’s death, the timing of the clown story assignment that he’s supposed to complete, and the tense, mocking nature of the city of Lima as he calls it.
Eventually, for Chino, the clowns will not only help him organize the chaotic and bustling city of Lima, but they will also provide him with resilience and hope so that even when people are laughing at and humiliating him, he can find a way to persevere and even win. In general, however, there seems to be a theme of duality throughout the whole story and clowns play a key role in developing that theme, especially when Chino himself becomes a clown and as the story goes back and forth between his time as a clown, his family, and his adolescent years.
Lima is a city of progress and growing potential, led by political incompetence, and subtly trembling with the rage of its people. Its progress is demonstrated by the businesses and sales workers motivated by the chance of a future success, the migration into the city by hopeful newcomers. Its instability shows itself in the shaky rumors of weak politicians and protesting groups, and in the opportunistic robbery of valued possessions by regular people.
Oscar and his parents view the city through each of their own lenses. For Oscar, it was progress for their living standards. Just as he is described to be just like his late father, Pasco wasn’t cut out for him. He says it was cold and poor and violent. Lima suited him best. Just as it did for his father. His father was opportunistic and vivo. A city as alive and troubled and in constant unrest as Lima was right for his persona.
His mother never adjusted to the unrest and noise and danger of Lima. Pasco was where her mind and heart were. As it was, she never bothered to learn different bus routes and parts to the city, her comfort was in quiet Pasco where her family lived and her new residence was. I believe she will return to Pasco eventually.
In the novel “The city of clowns” by by Daniel Alarcon and Sheila Alvarado, the story’s clowns aren’t portrayed as the usual comedic characters. Instead, they stand for a neglected and disadvantaged part of society. The clowns use humor as a coping method to deal with their problems, and their shows reflect the grim realities of their life. They are a group of individuals that feel abandoned by society and are attempting to survive in a cruel and merciless environment. The clowns serve as a lens through which the reader can examine more significant societal concerns like poverty, injustice, and the fight to survive in a society that is unfriendly to those on the periphery, according to their function in the story. They also serve as a contrast to the protagonist Chino’s fortunate upbringing, emphasizing the enormous gaps in opportunity and experience between the top and bottom of society. Beyond the narrative Chino is writing, the clowns might also act as a catalyst for his development as a person and his comprehension of the world. He might start to doubt his own privilege and the part he plays in sustaining the social injustices as he becomes more concerned with the clowns and their troubles.
From Ethan Del Rosario De Regino
In “City of Clowns,” by Daniel Alarcon, the clowns aren’t being represented as silly humorous figures. What I believe they are emphasizing in the story so far are the people who have been alienated from society such as the homeless. As Oscar was walking he suddenly felt “ inexplicably assaulted by loss” which is why I felt that the clowns represented the homeless, they don’t have a place to call their own. This atmosphere that Oscar felt could be a street inhabited by the homeless. Oscar didn’t have the heart to interview him because he knows although he isn’t high up in the hierarchy he is financially supported better than the clown. Beyond the reportage Chino is writing, I think his role in this story is going to be focused on voicing the stories of others. For example he was put on duty to interview the clown which I inferred to be a homeless person, later on in the story he might interview other people who struggle similarly to have their voices be heard. Two ideas I have about the other people that may be included are: street vendors and protesters. We have seen a concurring theme so far in other places we’ve covered about how they struggle on a daily basis.
Based on Chino’s account I would argue that Lima is a diverse city, full of people. Even though that comes with very delightful effects, ultimately in a place full of people, where they’re trying to make ends meet, a lot of dark things can happen. I think that’s why Chino mainly highlights the city like this dark and ominous city. I think this is especially true because of how pessimistic Chino is after knowing about his father’s second family. He doesn’t view the world with rose coloured glasses. His whole identity and life have been severely shocked that how he views the city is very affected by his current mental and emotional state. The portrayal of the capital is very nuanced. There’s civil unrest due to political instability. The constant migration to the city highly affects the city. Class inequality is also shown where a group of children, who are shoe shiners, are trying to hustle and make money. Prostitution is also a product of extreme class inequality, where people are going to try their best to get money to survive no matter what. We also see how he views his old neighborhood in a lighter light than the city and Pasco, where his parents are from. It goes to show how much he values family. It can also explain why he is so hurt and emotionally distraught about the second family; as well as the news of his mother living with them.
Option Two
I think the Clowns in City of Clowns may come to represent the general corruption and somberness of life in Peru’s capital. They could also represent the Narrator’s personal feelings towards his two families, or they may represent some form of social alienation.
Chino’s emotional and family history definitely fuels his image of the city. Lima is objectively described as a bustling city; one with eclectic groups, burgeoning potential, and crime. On page 48 (E-version) we’re presented with a panel of images with text describing the pseudo-capitalist ventures; billboards plastered along the town, counterfeit products, and the city are described as inhaling. Crime is part of the natural state of things in Lima, at least according to Chino. I wonder if this is actually true, and not just a reflection of Chino’s father. Was this a means of protecting his father? The image of his father? I think the nuanced emotional ties mean Chino’s perception of Lima, is skewed negatively. After all, this city in many ways embodies his father. It’s the city his father saw the potential to realize his own dreams and create his own stomp[ing ground. A much different account to that of Chino’s mother who can’t help but feel alien in Lima.
Option 2
In the novel “City of Clowns” by Daniel Alarcon, the clowns are not shown as funny or silly characters. Instead, they are portrayed as people with complicated lives who face poverty, discrimination, and personal problems. They live in the shadows of the vibrant city of Lima, trying to make ends meet and find purpose in their lives.
The clowns’ stories show the difficult realities of life in Peru and other developing countries, where there is a lot of economic inequality and social injustice. They also highlight how art and performance can help people express themselves and escape their problems. The clowns teach us about the importance of connecting with others and sticking together during tough times.
In the novel, the clowns represent hope and strength in the face of adversity. They may also help the main character, Chino, grow and change as he learns from their experiences. Overall, the clowns bring attention to larger social and political issues and encourage readers to think critically about the world around them.
Option 1:
One of the narrative goals of this first part of the novel is to put together a portrait of Lima. Based on Oscar (Chino)’s account how would you describe Perú’s capital? To what extent do Chino’s emotional state and his family’s history affect his perception of different urban environments?
Based on Oscar (Chino)’s account, there’s clearly an unbelievable amount of inequality in Lima. As can be seen in the text, “the essential truth of Lima: if there is money to be made, it must be bled from these concrete city blocks. Some win and some lose, and there are ways to tilt the odds.” This quote is a prime example of the author’s vision of Lima. Although it is probably possible to make money and live a relatively comfortable lifestyle, it would be very difficult, backbreaking, and possibly even morally compromising. There is plenty of imagery of poverty, and class division throughout the beginning of the novel. The narrator even talks about seeing drug addicts, and amongst them people that he knew that may have lost their way. I believe that due to the narrator’s emotional state and family’s history, he sees more of the negative sides of the city than the average person would. However, it is difficult to say how radically different his perception is from the actual truth.
Option 1
I believe that Lima’s capital city can best be described as very overwhelming and energetic city. In which those who are not familiar with it will get lost. I believe that Chino’s emotional state may affect the way her recount the city. As he paints a picture of the consequences of urbanization. This is probably due to his depressed state at losing his father and not being able to come to terms with the second family his father had. This makes him describe the city in a negative light. Even when speaking on something cheerful such as the clowns. Another aspect that currently affects him is his family history. One being that his mother hates Lima and yearns for her own city, however we learn that it is a very bleak mining town with not much. Chino’s criminal way of life also affects the way he sees the city, possibly as he believes it is the city that allows all these crimes to take place. However we see at the end that even Chino takes advantage of the situation of the city when he hires a prostitute.
Option II
When I think of clowns, I think of performers. In CIty of Clowns, the clowns in the story are not represented as humorous silly figures, but instead represent street performers in Lima that are used to emphasize a whirlpool of poverty and social instability. At first, Chino describes the clowns as “shabby” and “absurd” but after seeing how his neighbors abuse them and treat them as invisible, he starts to think of them with more empathy. The clowns are a group of individuals that feel abandoned by society and despite their struggle to make ends meet, they fill Lima with vibrant colors and encourage change. As readers we spend the entire novel seeing things through Chico’s eyes and his perspective on life but we never fully get a clear image of him besides the fact that he also wears a disguise. It can be inferred that Chicos emotional/mental wellbeing is reflected through his interactions with the clowns as we see him constantly have flashbacks to his dark childhood. This disguise that Chico wears can also symbolize his inability to escape being his fathers son.
The clowns in the story are not represented as humorous silly figures, but instead they represent the underprivileged part of society. They are people struggling to survive in a harsh and ruthless environment because they feel abandoned by society. For Chino, the clowns represent the opposite of his upbringing. We have one clown trying to sell mints and we have other clowns trying to steal, as he explains it was the only way he can make a living. Compared to Chino, Chino lived a much more privileged life than the clowns working for a local tabloid paper. This difference shows the big gap between the privileged and underprivileged of Lima. To me it seems like the clowns are helping him realize this gap and in turn developing his need to help the underprivileged of Lima. They will also give him fortitude and hope so that he can endure and even triumph despite people making fun of and humiliating him. As he grows increasingly concerned with the clowns and their problems, he may begin to question his own privilege and the role he plays in maintaining the social inequities. Throughout the story we see Chino go back and forth with this theme.
In the beginning of the novel “City of Clowns”, the narrator Oscar introduces the Capital Lima, of Perú to the readers from his perception. Oscar describes Lima to be a very chaotic scene with many things going on, as there is so many people, performers, workers etc. When I think of Oscar’s perception of Lima, I imagine a version of New York City, but specifically Times Square. I feel like Times Square can be a similar representation to Lima because of how active it can be. Oscars family originated from a smaller town in Perú before migrating to Lima. Oscar was fairly young during this move, which I felt definitely helped him adjust to his new dynamic pretty well. Adjusting to Lima went well for Oscar however, he faced some challenges throughout the process. Some challenges Oscar may have faced during the move to Lima, could be a sense of loneliness as well as identity issues. I believe these were some major challenges because when Oscar’s dad, Don Hugo passed away, you can tell there was some resentment present towards his dad, which then isolated Oscar from his mourning mother, Carmela, and the brothers. Oscar had his moments of reflection throughout his dad’s passing and his reflection seemed a bit dark and lonely. With Oscar’s identity issues, I feel like not having a father present while growing up, definitely affected how Oscar viewed himself and what he wanted to pursue in Lima.
Option Two:
The clowns in City of Clowns represent a group of marginalized individuals that are divided from the rich and powerful people in Peruvian society. When Chino dresses as a clown and enters his first bus a lot of people start to laugh, “There was laughter on our bus, laughter that built community; passengers emerged from their private meditations to point and laugh and ridicule.” Alarcón purposefully depicted the passengers as laughing as a community in order to separate them between those who may ride trains and buses and those who must perform and offer a service in order to make a living. Additionally, the passengers represent those in society who are attempting to get wealthier by associating with other wealthy groups that look down on the poor. This is highlighted when some passengers stopped their quiet thoughts to join the group of people already laughing at the clowns to point and laugh. There was also a moment that the ticket collector felt pity because of the mistreatment and allowed the clowns to enter, symbolizing the empathetic individuals who achieve some level of money and status in society while not forgetting those at the bottom. Consequently, when social programs are created for individuals who are disadvantaged, they are sometimes produced as a result of one person or group that has experienced that suffering and pushed for an opportunity. Clowns are a symbol that people prefer to avoid thinking about since admitting their presence means accepting that there is inequity in society. Those in positions of power and status do not want to give it up so that the poor might be given opportunity, therefore clowns are frequently mocked and ignored in society.
In the novel, “City of Clowns “ by Daniel Alarcon uses the clowns as a way to represent the people that are in poverty, discrimination, homeless,etc. In other words, the clowns aren’t being represented as funny characters that makes jokes but instead it’s a representation of people who are struggling to survive in this cruel society. And shows people how they feel; feeling like a joke and it also shows the social injustice. I believe his role in this story was to use his voice and shine on what’s happening; bring awareness by getting people to share their story. However Chino, had a different lifestyle where he was more privileged than the clowns. Throughout the novel, you see that not only was Chino learning about what was going on and how people felt, he was learning more about himself and was able to compare both his lifestyle and the clowns which helps him have a better understanding of what’s going on and as we read we can see Chino’s point of view. So the clowns was able to show others what was happening but as well as make connections with others and being able to stick together during a time like this.
option 1
Lima is a metropolitan city, atleast compared to everything else in Peru. Lima is a dichotomy in the sense that it represents opportunity and financial success. The qu0te that Chino’s father described to Lima is “ there is money to be made, but it must be bled from these concrete city blocks.” His father was described as charming but a hard worker. And his success didnt come easy, he was going to be successful in Lima but through many hard working jobs. This is alot of what western cities like New York or Los Angeles represent. Opportunity to succeed , but the common theme in these cities is that this opportunity that is within reach is not so close. Many people in Lima struggle. This was perfectly put when Chino talks to one clown and he explains why he does what he does. “ it’s either this or stealing. It could be better but it could be worse.” One can not help but relate to this situation. I have been in situations where I hate my job or sitiuation but recall it could be worse. Chino’s father said about Lima There are bad people here,” my old man warned us.“Be mosca, Chino. You’re an hombrecito now. You have to take care of your mother.” it is obvious some decide to tackle other routes to provide. It is not a situation one chooses, but sets of circumstances that lead one to commit such acts. Overall Limais chaotic, provides opportunity as it did for Chino and his father to have jobs, but there are also so many who dont have face struggle. As it is a major city, it also can give the sense of loneliness.
One of the narrative goals of this first part of the novel is to put together a portrait of Lima.
Based on Oscar’s account I would describe Peru’s capital Lima to be as complex as any other capital in Latin America. I have only experienced life in one Latin American country which is Colombia, and I know that its capital is dangerous but also full of opportunities. Oscar describes the opportunities his father had of work, were incredibly limited in his hometown of Pasco. He describes a lot of poverty, and no room for social mobility. In Lima, at least his father is able to find other jobs. Even with this however, it seems Lima is still a place of instability. There is a lot of corruption and it seems like it is quite common for them to witness. Yet it seems from the images and text, that Lima is also a place of resistance and protest. Where the working class takes the streets to protest the injustices they face.
One of the narrative goals of this first part of the novel is to put together a portrait of Lima. Based on Oscar (Chino)’s account how would you describe Perú’s capital? To what extent do Chino’s emotional state and his family’s history affect his perception of different urban environments?
Based on Oscar’s account, I would think that the capital was extremely violent, cold, and grim. Though I could not read the graphic novel because I could not find it, while I was reading the transcript, I noticed that Oscar was asking his mom if she ever missed being there. She was very quick to say of course! Why wouldn’t she? I think the quick answer is very telling of how she views their old home, as a place of warmth, where she grew up and where her parents live, where she had happy and sad memories. However, for Oscar the life that he lived and the things that he saw as a child, particularly with how his father, who was known as a hard worker and an honest man, would swindle the people that he had worked for, robbing them of their appliances and taking their things. I think this stark contrasting reality was tough for Oscar as child, and made his see the dark underbelly of the city, as a place where it is eat or be eaten. His perception of who his family is and what they do account for his pessimistic view of the world and also have created the person that he is now.
Option one
Based on Chino’s account, Lima is a very chaotic city full of very diverse individuals. Lima is the place people go to obtain new opportunities, just as Chino’s family did when they left their hometown. However, Chino does not paint Lima in a good light, pointing out the many bad things he has witnessed while living there. On page 19 of the graphic novel Chino states the following, “ In Lima Dying is the local sport”. This conveys that life in Chile’s capital there are many ways to encounter death, most likely due to the violence of the streets. A little further in the graphic novel, Chino remembers his father stealing from another man when the rest of the family moved to lima. In this instance, Chino may want to emphasize the ways in which the city changed his father, who had seemingly turned into a criminal. There is also the scene with the clown, in which Chino witnesses a group of children being cruel to an individual who is simply trying to work. This shows that the streets and people of Lima are brutal, especially towards those who are defenseless and not as fortunate. Overall, Chino’s life experiences in Lima have led him to have a not-so-positive view of Lima, which is the one we get as the reader.
In the graphic novel “City of Clowns” by Daniel Alarcon, Chino describes Lima, Peru as a city of contradictions. He notes the stark contrast between the city’s wealthy neighborhoods and its impoverished areas, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Chino also observes the constant presence of violence and corruption in Lima’s urban environment.
Chino’s family history affects his perspective of different urban environments. Growing up, Chino’s family moved frequently, and he experienced different urban environments firsthand. His father, a political activist, was forced to flee the country due to his political beliefs, which further shaped Chino’s perspective on the relationship between urban environments and political power. This background led Chino to become deeply critical of the inequalities and injustices present in urban environments.
Chino’s experiences in different urban environments also influenced his decision to become a clown. He saw how people in impoverished areas were able to find joy and laughter in difficult situations, and he wanted to bring that joy to others as a clown.
Overall, Chino’s family history and experiences in different urban environments shape his perspective of Lima and his decision to become a clown. His observations of urban environments highlight the complexities of the urban landscape and the impact of social and political factors on the experiences of those living in cities.
Option 2
The City Of Clowns Is A Dreamlike Tale Of Family And Tragedy. I love clowns and reading a story like “city of Clown” has me excited for what is to come. Clowns to me have a unique way of living life as they are always optimistic, clowns to me personify victory over the difficulties, bright and unusual gifts, have amazing optimism, and talent. The clowns in the story are not represented as humorous silly figures, instead the tragedy and tolerance of life, trying to bring a smile in a harsh environment. A gold example is the Mint clown who is in a harsh political environment and still tries to smile and do his job. I think the clowns in the story will have a unique role as maybe each clown shall represent a tolerance of life and a different aspect of them and how they keep working in life. Their role is to show readers the harsh realities in life and the clowns show a small slight of joy no matter what environment they are in.
Lima is a city and full of people. For this reason, Lima is depicted as a chaotic world with various people, lifestyles, and environments. Whereas in Pasco everyone lives in a similar environment (work, family structure, financial situation, etc.), in Lima it is very different. The scene at the train station left a strong impression on me. The fact that the father himself tried to steal someone else’s luggage at the station, who had said, “There are bad people in Lima,” made Chino think, “Maybe the environment changes a person.” I think it was an event that made him doubt it. As a result, the father had a child with another woman, and after his death, his mother and the woman seemed to support each other. There was a situation where he couldn’t do anything, and I felt that the conflict in his heart represented the city of Lima as it is. Compared to Pasco, the capital of Lima, there are a lot of options, a wide variety of people, and it seems that there are many options to choose from. As much as there is a gorgeous world, the darkness is deeper and darker like when the light is strong, the shadow will also feel dark.
OPTION TWO
The clowns in the story are not represented as humorous silly figures, what do you think the clowns are emphasizing so far? Beyond the reportage Chino is writing, what do you think is going to be their role in the story?
The clowns in the story definitely represent something more sinister than humorous. In the story, the clowns are not performing for people because it is their passion. They are performing because they don’t have any other choice. This showcases the hardships of society. Because not many people are able to get a better education, they have to resort to other jobs, to help them get through life. Some of these jobs being the clowns, sex workers, etc. The clowns show the harsh reality of life, showing that not everyone is able to get opportunities.
Option 2
The clowns in this story represent the people of Lima who need to make a living to survive in this city. The clowns emphasize the hardworking people of Lima but also the most forgotten. When people notice the clowns in the streets they often ignore them or harass them. When children walk past the clowns they are amazed and humored, capturing that sense of innocence in Lima. By not painting them in a humorous light throughout the story that creates the effect that the clowns are still people not just for entertainment. Just because their circumstances lead them to becoming a clown doesn’t mean they don’t have regular lives. But they hide this when becoming a clown in order to provide and make money. We see this on page 5 when the clown was attacked by a swarm of water balloons. Rather than being conflicted by this he continued selling his mints and performing. This shows the determination of the clowns just like the people of Lima due to the political climate. After being in Lima for a while due to his fathers death Oscar feels conflicted to accept his father’s hidden family while having to deal with a report. Clowns serve as a way for Oscar to navigate the big city. He states “They organized the city for me: buses, street corners, plazas. They suited my mood. Appropriating the absurd, embracing shame, they transformed it.”(11). They also help Oscar to escape from his problems by hiding from them and putting a “new face on” similar to the clowns.
Option1
Of course, Lima, the capital of Peru, has a lot of people, is economically developed, and has various possibilities. However, there are of course not all good things about such a big city. There is a shining side, but at the same time, the darkness that hits is also deep. The fact that my family in Lima gave him a different impression than he had seen in his hometown is, of course, the influence of migration. (It is possible that his father and mother were such people, but at least it didn’t happen until he moved to Lima.) There is a large gap between big city and countryside, which shows how the environment affects people. thinking way, perspective and what people do etc… all those things would be changed by where you are.