Today, we are going to talk about Judith Ortiz Cofer’s short story “Volar”. This story is a beautiful piece of literature that explores themes of freedom, empowerment, and the power of imagination. Let’s delve into a summary of the story, discuss its setting, and analyze the symbolism that runs throughout.
Summary
The story “Volar” follows a young Puerto Rican girl who dreams of flying. She yearns to escape the confines of her reality and soar above it all. Her family is poor, she feels trapped by her circumstances, but in her dreams, she can be free.
One day, while sitting on a stoop with her grandmother watching an airplane fly overhead, the girl decides to take matters into her own hands. She climbs onto the roof of their building and jumps off with an umbrella as her makeshift wings. While she doesn’t actually fly, in that moment she feels liberated and empowered.
Setting
The setting of “Volar” is important in understanding the context of the story. The girl lives in a poor neighborhood where opportunities are limited. The buildings are rundown, there is little space to play or explore. This environment plays a significant role in shaping the desires and dreams of the protagonist.
The presence of airplanes flying overhead serves as a stark contrast to the girl’s reality on the ground. They symbolize freedom, travel, and possibility – things that seem out of reach for someone like her. The juxtaposition between these two worlds highlights the longing for something more than what life has given her.
Symbolism
Throughout “Volar”, we see symbolism woven throughout the narrative. The girl’s desire to fly represents not only physical liberation but also emotional and psychological freedom from limitations imposed by society or circumstances.
The umbrella that she uses as wings symbolizes protection and shelter – tools that help her navigate through life despite adversity. In her imagination, it transforms into something powerful and transformative; something that enables her to defy gravity and rise above it all.
The act of jumping off the roof can be seen as a metaphor for taking risks and breaking free from constraints holding one back. It signifies courage, resilience, and determination – qualities that are essential when pursuing one’s dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem at first glance.
References:
– Cofer’s fiction : Visions from La Vida: Literature Grounded in lived experience
– Latin American women writers: A resource guide to titles available
– Puerto Rican Voices in English: Interviews with Writers
