Dengue Boy

Dengue Boy's character is symbolic of marginalization. As a mosquito, Dengue Boy is perceived and treated as a reject. He is treated with cruelty and derision simply because he is different than his peers. The author uses his character to symbolize any individual who is alienated because of their seeming oddities, idiosyncrasies, or merely their physical appearances.

School

Dengue Boy's school is symbolic of the familiar. Although this sphere is hellish for Dengue Boy, it is predictable. He therefore knows how to navigate it because he has learned the violence he should expect and will face therein.

Dengue Girl

The Dengue Girl identity Dengue Boy assumes at the end of the short story is symbolic of empowerment. As soon as Dengue Boy starts to see himself as Dengue Girl, he understands how to assume power over his oppressors. Adopting this new identity allows him to...