Oscar Wao: Domincan Irony
Question: The Gangster, unlike many of the men in the book, is friendly, and treats Beli like a woman. However, his action creates an irony in the book. Explain. Answer: Many of the man in the book have been rude toward the girls in the book. They thought that their action is the right thing to do, since they have the Dominican Pride. All they really cared about was their appearance as a muchacha figure, and did not care for the girls’ feeling or needs.
When “gangster” steps in after Beli had a rough time with Jack who used her as nothing but as a toy; Beli starts to feel a feeling of love. Gangster treats her differently, buying her gifts, treating her to nice restaurants, and taking her out to places. He even opens his heart up and tells her, about the hardship and torment he is going through. Due to his actions, she realizes she loves him, since no man has ever appreciated her or opened up so much before in her life.
His actions create an irony; and the actions differ from everything we have encountered about the Dominican Culture so far. However, the real irony kicks in as Beli realizes that gangster has a habit of disappearing for days or weeks on end without notice. When he comes back, she persists about where he has been, and about their marriage, however, gangster does not give her any answers back. When Gangster takes Beli out for a trip, to relax, Beli is extremely happy.
During the trip, gangster tells Beli that he wants to be free, creating an ironic moment as he goes back and forth between a gentleman, and a muchacha. However, when she returns home she realizes that she is pregnant, and the reader anticipates for the dramatic irony that will be created, as soon as gangster makes his decision about sticking with being a gentleman and staying with Beli, or leave her and the baby, like the other Dominican men.
