Summary:
Rodriguez utilizes the images of California and Mexico to exemplify his conflicting metaphorical views on "comedy" and "tragedy", using the images to demonstrate how he intends to compromise the two views.
Torn between the two lands of his heritage, Richard Rodriguez struggles with a seemingly impossible decision: he had once harbored a belief that the two opposing cultures could reconcile their differences, so that he could adopt the ideals of both states. Unfortunately, that hope has long since faded away, and Rodriguez must now decide where his allegiance truly lies. Should he revert to his idealist boyhood nature and champion the liberal individualism of young California, or should he forever remain a cautious middle-aged man and embrace the conservative traditions of old Mexico? Is Rodriguez doomed to forever tarry in irresolution"
Rodriguez's description of California mirrors his hopeful optimism. He describes California as a land for starting anew, for maintaining youth, and for succeeding through individualism. During the "boy's chapter" of his life he had strongly supported the opportunism that California so ardently embodied. Even though he only directly expresses this belief as a part of his childhood, as an older man he still acknowledges the veracity of California's ideals. "After all, the journey my parents took from Mexico to America was a journey from an ancient culture to a youthful one- backward in time. In their path I similarly move, if only to honor their passage to California..." For example, he describes the considerable fortune amassed by his Mexican parents during the family's residence in California. Rodriguez compares California to a "comedy" because of its optimistic, youthful spirit; however, he also mentions the ironic sadness hidden behind this cloak of assurance. Rodriguez lauds California for its positive attitude, yet chastises it for the dejection that can result from high expectations.
Rodriguez contrasts California's youthful qualities with the aged pessimistic outlook of Mexico. The reason he must move "backward in time" to California in the first place is to stiffen his resistance toward the "cynical conclusions of Mexico." Yet, Rodriguez finds it difficult to wholly abandon his middle-aged frame of mind. To express this dilemma, he outlines the main tenets of the uninspiring Mexican outlook on life, tenets he eventually adopted during his later adulthood: age begets wisdom; life is difficult and laborious; and death is the ultimate goal of life. Although Rodriguez portrays Mexican society as a "tragedy", he also illustrates that joy can arise from long years of hard-edged life: "Tragic cultures serve up better food than optimistic cultures; tragic cultures have sweeter children, more opulent funerals." This quote further deepens Rodriguez's mental irresolution.
Rodriguez utilizes the images of California and Mexico to exemplify his conflicting metaphorical views on "comedy" and "tragedy", using the images to demonstrate how he intends to compromise the two views. Rodriguez indicates that there was no "divorce between Mexico and California," suggesting that his contradictory feelings can coexist without one overpowering the other. The presence of his optimistic, comedic, and Californian side would allow him to hope for improvement and strive for individual prosperity; his cynical, tragic, and Mexican side would remind him of the stark realities of life and the ultimate goal of death. In this blend of contradictory attitudes, "both sides can claim wisdom."
This is the complete article, containing 510 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page).
