Family Dyamics, Baldwin vs. Diaz

As we discussed Junot Diaz’s “Fiesta, 1980,” we pointed out the similarities between the families in that story and in Baldwin’s “The Rockpile.” The biggest thing that tied them together was of course the role of each father figure in their respective family. Both Gabriel and Yunior’s father displayed dominance and physical power over their children and family, resulting in conflict amongst the family members and emotions of fear, anger, and hate. Because of this dynamic, each mother feels (for the most part) powerless to make any change on their husbands behavior and therefore become distant from their partners. But it doesn’t just stop at the fathers. Interestingly enough, the two families are actually quite similar in the characteristics of almost every member.

Take for example the father and son interaction that occurs in each household. In each case, there is one son who is treated worse than the other, with such treatment taking the form of verbal and physical abuse and even neglect. While the reasons for such favoritism are different, the outcome is largely the same. After a clear violation of the family’s rules, Roy, the participant of such event, is left unharmed, while John, an innocent bystander, is yelled at, beaten with a belt, and left with the blame of the situation. Similarly, Yunior is scolded  and threatened by his father for a reaction he has no control over, and is subsequently blamed for such event. Although Rafa had little to do with the event, it is alluded to that Yunior is largely the one targeted in the household (with Rafa largely left unharmed). Ironically, while Roy and Rafa are the more reckless of the sons, they are the ones who get off the easiest. Whether related or not, Roy and Rafa are also the ones who take after their father the most. Roy prides himself in being “daddy’s boy” (and uses it to suck up to his father and avoid punishment) and Rafa shapes his persona and identity after what he thinks would make his father most proud.

The dynamic between the father and the other family members also shapes the relationship between the siblings and mother, and amongst themselves. Both mothers are protective of the sons who are treated worse, and as such, are more distant from the more reckless ones. While one may argue that it is because John is not his father’s child, his mother still surrenders to Gabriel’s ultimate will. Roy’s mother does show affection and care for him initially, but it is clear the relationship is much different than the one he holds with his father. Similarly, we see almost no interaction between Rafa and his mother, and even though she feels for Yunior, she is reluctant to help him. Additionally, Yunior himself feels that he cannot connect with her as well as he might have liked, and their connection is lost largely due to his father’s mistress. Whether or not the authors purposely modeled the families in such a similar fashion, there is still a significance in the structure of the family dynamic itself. Both Baldwin and Diaz understood the impact of an abusive father on a family and the rift it could create. In a sense, the single character of the father works as the centerpiece, influencing almost every other character interaction.