Point of View

The story is written in the second person and the present tense. Despite this use of the second person, Yunior is still technically the narrator, as the narration describes his thoughts, observations, and actions using his narrative voice, which has been established in other stories in which Yunior appears. This narrative mode and perspective allow the story to establish Yunior’s character through the use of his narrative voice and the descriptions he provides. This use of perspective also draws the reader’s attention to Yunior’s own thoughts and feelings with regard to the relationship. Yunior’s somewhat condescending descriptions of Alma highlight the lack of true connection that he feels in the relationship, and his energetic descriptions of his sexual attraction to Alma emphasize Yunior’s shallow motivations.

Due to the fact that the story is told from Yunior’s perspective, it is...