Communication

            Sources of power are identified throughout the novel, Drown, by Junot Díaz. Characters are described as being in situations where they possess power or where power is being used against them. Many relationships appear to be unbalanced in which one party is stronger than the other. The ability to communicate is one example of sources of power in the book.

            The characters use communication as a source of power in order to manipulate others or to express their dissent. Before Papi left the house, he had an affair, and Mami demonstrated her anger by not speaking to him. Yunior recalls that “one woman’s silence was a serious thing” (Díaz 166). Her silence had a profound effect on the household. Her choice of communication was a method of expressing her feelings toward Papi. She held power over him because he could not do anything that would force her to acknowledge him.

The power of communication is also displayed in Papi’s struggle to learn English. He felt insecure about his ability to speak properly and “whenever he felt weak… [he would] enunciate[e] the city names slowly, trying to copy the awful crunch of sounds that was English” (Diaz 173). He did not like that his peers were better at speaking than he was and was always trying to escape their “gleeful criticisms” (Díaz 173). Being able to speak English meant getting a better job and being treated with more respect by other residents. He practiced when he felt weak because he knew it was the only way to be successful in the United States.

The usage of language is also used to determine class. When the character of Pruitt is quoted he uses the words “contrite and determined” (Díaz 130).  The words stand out in the context of the novel since the author’s writing style uses more simple and slang words. Without having met Pruitt, Wayne and the narrator determine that he is “probably a fucking banker” (Díaz 130) on the basis of his name and style of speaking. They assume from his use of big, sophisticated words that he is wealthy and from a high class. They look down on these kinds of people and resent him. Pruitt’s communication and language immediately informs people of where he stands.