Volar by Judith Ortiz Cofer: Symbolism & Identity

Judith Ortiz Cofer, a prominent figure in Latin American literature, explores themes of cultural identity and assimilation within her poignant short story, “Volar.” This narrative, frequently analyzed through the lens of symbolism, presents a young girl’s imaginative escape into a world of flight, heavily influenced by her exposure to the iconic Superman character. Dreams of soaring above her family’s economic constraints and societal expectations resonate deeply within the context of the Puerto Rican diaspora experience in the United States. The literary analysis of volar by judith ortiz cofer often reveals how Cofer employs vivid imagery to depict the protagonist’s yearning for empowerment, offering a nuanced commentary on the complexities of navigating a bicultural existence.

Unveiling Symbolism and Identity in Judith Ortiz Cofer’s "Volar"

Judith Ortiz Cofer stands as a prominent voice in Puerto Rican-American literature, celebrated for her poignant exploration of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. Her work often delves into the complexities of navigating dual cultural landscapes, capturing the nuances of language, memory, and the search for belonging.

Cofer’s literary contributions extend beyond mere storytelling; they offer profound insights into the lives of those straddling two worlds.

"Volar," a semi-autobiographical narrative, encapsulates these themes with remarkable sensitivity.

The story unfolds through the eyes of a young Puerto Rican girl growing up in Paterson, New Jersey. It masterfully portrays the dreams, aspirations, and challenges inherent in the immigrant experience. "Volar" presents a vivid tableau of a life interwoven with the threads of two distinct cultures.

A Narrative of Aspiration and Cultural Identity

At its core, "Volar" explores the protagonist’s longing for escape and her quest for self-discovery amidst the backdrop of her Puerto Rican heritage.

The story delicately balances the protagonist’s yearning for something more with her deep-rooted connection to her cultural identity.

This exploration of identity and aspiration is central to understanding the profound impact of "Volar."

Thesis Statement

"Volar" intricately weaves together symbolism and the exploration of identity. It employs vivid imagery and personal narrative. This examination reveals the protagonist’s longing for escape, cultural connection, and the realization of dreams. All of this takes place within the context of her Puerto Rican heritage in Paterson, New Jersey.

Characters as Reflections of Identity: A Deeper Dive

Having established the foundational themes of identity, aspiration, and the immigrant experience, it’s crucial to examine the characters who embody these concepts in "Volar." The protagonist, her mother, and her father each represent distinct facets of the Puerto Rican-American experience, and their interactions create a nuanced portrait of identity formation.

The Protagonist (Girl/Young Woman): Dreams and Duality

At the heart of "Volar" is the young protagonist, a girl grappling with the complexities of growing up in a bicultural environment. Her dreams, especially her repeated desire to fly, are central to understanding her yearning for something more than her present reality.

Aspiration and the Allure of Flight

The protagonist’s dreams are not mere fantasies; they are potent symbols of her aspirations and her desire to transcend the limitations of her circumstances. The recurring motif of flight suggests a longing for freedom, for escape from the perceived constraints of her urban environment, and a reach towards a higher potential.

Navigating Cultural Duality

Her struggle with cultural duality is equally significant. She is neither fully immersed in her Puerto Rican heritage nor completely assimilated into American culture, existing in a liminal space.

This in-betweenness fuels her yearning for a sense of belonging, a place where she can reconcile the two halves of her identity. The story subtly showcases the challenges of straddling two worlds, a common experience for many children of immigrants.

Intertwining Dreams and Identity

Ultimately, the protagonist’s dreams and her understanding of her identity are intertwined. Her aspirations are shaped by her cultural background, her experiences in Paterson, and her desire to carve out a unique space for herself in the world.

Her longing for flight can be interpreted as a metaphor for her quest for self-discovery and the realization of her full potential.

The Mother: Cultural Preservation and Resilience

The protagonist’s mother is a crucial figure in the narrative, embodying the spirit of cultural preservation and resilience in a new land.

A Bastion of Heritage

She represents a direct link to the family’s Puerto Rican heritage, striving to maintain traditions, values, and language in the face of cultural assimilation. Her role as a cultural anchor is vital in shaping her daughter’s understanding of her roots.

The Immigrant Experience Reflected

The mother’s own dreams and experiences are subtly revealed, offering a counterpoint to her daughter’s youthful aspirations. Her journey as an immigrant, the sacrifices she has made, and the challenges she has overcome likely inform her perspective on life.

Contrasting her dreams with her daughter’s highlights the generational differences in how they perceive their opportunities and responsibilities.

A Generational Bridge

The mother-daughter relationship is a central dynamic in "Volar," serving as a conduit for the transmission of cultural values and dreams. The mother imparts her knowledge of the past, while the daughter embodies the hopes for the future.

This relationship demonstrates the complex interplay between tradition and change, as the two women navigate their identities together.

The Father: Grounded Reality vs. Soaring Aspirations

The father completes the family portrait, often representing a more grounded, pragmatic perspective.

A Pragmatic Figure

His character offers a counterweight to the soaring aspirations of the protagonist and her mother. He may embody the everyday struggles and the financial realities of the immigrant experience.

Differing Perspectives

The contrast between his reality and the dream world of the women in his life showcases differing perspectives on what it means to succeed and find happiness in a new land.

His relative pragmatism does not necessarily diminish the value of dreams; rather, it provides a realistic grounding to the family’s aspirations. His character serves as a crucial reminder that dreams must often be tempered with practicality.

In conclusion, the characters in "Volar" are skillfully crafted to embody different aspects of the Puerto Rican-American experience. Through their dreams, struggles, and relationships, they illuminate the complexities of identity formation, the importance of cultural heritage, and the enduring power of hope.

Setting as Character: Paterson, Puerto Rico, and the Confined Space

Having examined the characters and their embodiment of identity, it’s crucial to shift our focus to the settings within "Volar." The physical and imagined spaces profoundly shape the protagonist’s understanding of herself and her place in the world. Paterson, New Jersey, serves as the immediate, tangible reality, while Puerto Rico exists as an ethereal, almost mythical homeland. The cramped apartment, the family’s confined living space, further underscores their struggles and aspirations, acting as a powerful microcosm of their lives.

Paterson, New Jersey: An Urban Landscape of Dreams and Disillusionment

Paterson, New Jersey, with its industrial past and vibrant Puerto Rican community, is more than just a backdrop in "Volar"; it’s an active participant in shaping the protagonist’s reality. Understanding the city’s real history and its portrayal within the narrative is essential.

The once-thriving silk industry, the immigrant communities that built it, and the subsequent economic decline all contribute to the atmosphere of the story. The protagonist’s experiences are inextricably linked to this urban landscape, a blend of hope and hardship.

Shaping Aspirations in Concrete

The urban environment, with its mix of cultures and challenges, significantly influences the protagonist’s dreams and aspirations. The city’s energy, its grit, and the presence of other immigrant families create a unique environment where the protagonist both confronts reality and dreams of escape.

It is in Paterson that she encounters the allure of American ideals, exemplified by Superman, even as she grapples with the realities of her family’s economic struggles. The contrast between the city’s tangible limitations and the boundless possibilities of her imagination fuels her desire to "fly."

Puerto Rico (Implied/Dreamed): The Root of Identity and Belonging

While Paterson is the protagonist’s physical reality, Puerto Rico represents the spiritual and cultural homeland. It is a potent symbol, a source of identity and belonging, even though it exists primarily in her imagination and family stories.

The absence of a direct, lived experience in Puerto Rico amplifies its symbolic weight. It becomes a repository of cultural heritage, a place where the protagonist imagines a deeper connection to her roots.

Longing for Connection

The protagonist’s longing for Puerto Rico underscores her struggle to reconcile her American identity with her Puerto Rican heritage. This longing manifests in her dreams, in her family’s traditions, and in the stories they share.

Puerto Rico represents an idealized version of her cultural identity, a place where she imagines she would feel a complete sense of belonging. This yearning is a driving force in her search for self-understanding.

The Apartment/Household: A Microcosm of Dreams and Struggles

The family’s cramped apartment serves as a powerful microcosm of their lives. Within its confined walls, their dreams, struggles, and aspirations are magnified.

The limitations of the space directly contribute to the protagonist’s desire to escape and "fly." The small apartment represents the restrictions she feels, both physically and emotionally.

Origin of Flight

It is within the confines of this home that the dream of flying takes root. Surrounded by the everyday realities of immigrant life, the protagonist’s imagination soars, seeking an outlet from the constraints of her environment.

The dream of flying becomes a symbol of her desire to transcend these limitations and achieve a sense of freedom and possibility. It is a direct response to the challenges and restrictions of her physical surroundings.

Decoding the Symbols: Superman, Flying, and Cultural Heritage

Having explored the significance of setting and characters, it’s essential to examine the symbolic tapestry woven throughout "Volar." These symbols—Superman, the act of flying, and the distant yet resonant presence of Puerto Rico—are not mere decorations. They are integral to understanding the protagonist’s complex negotiation of identity, aspirations, and the blurred lines between dream and reality.

Superman: An Immigrant Icon?

Superman, the quintessential American hero, takes on a nuanced meaning within the context of "Volar." He isn’t simply a figure of power and justice. He represents the allure of American ideals, particularly the promise of upward mobility and self-reinvention.

The protagonist’s fascination with Superman speaks to her desire to transcend the limitations of her present circumstances. She sees in him the possibility of escaping the confines of her Paterson neighborhood and soaring above the challenges of her daily life.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Superman’s symbolism is the irony of his alien origins. This immigrant, in a way, embodies the American Dream, suggesting that even those from vastly different backgrounds can find acceptance and achieve greatness. This resonates deeply with the protagonist’s own experience as a Puerto Rican girl in America.

The Freedom of Flight

The recurring motif of flying in "Volar" transcends the literal. It becomes a potent metaphor for freedom, aspiration, and the desire to escape the constraints of reality.

For the protagonist, the dream of flying is a means of transcending the limitations imposed by her environment, her socio-economic status, and even her cultural expectations. It represents the power to overcome obstacles and reach for something beyond the tangible.

Flying is not just about physical escape; it is about emotional and psychological liberation. It allows the protagonist to envision a future where her dreams can take flight, unburdened by the weight of her present reality.

Puerto Rico: An Anchor in Absence

The physical absence of Puerto Rico in the protagonist’s daily life only amplifies its symbolic importance. It represents cultural heritage, roots, and a profound sense of belonging.

Even though the protagonist may have never, or rarely, experienced life on the island, her connection to it shapes her identity in profound ways. Puerto Rico exists as an idealized homeland, a source of strength and resilience that anchors her amidst the challenges of navigating two cultures.

This connection to her heritage is not static. It’s a dynamic force that informs her understanding of herself and her place in the world, even as she adapts to her American surroundings.

The World Trade Center: Soaring Heights & Shadows

The inclusion of the World Trade Center in the protagonist’s dreamscape is especially poignant. At the time the story was written, the Twin Towers represented the height of American ambition and economic power.

In the context of "Volar," they symbolize both the aspirations and potential anxieties associated with the American Dream. The towers represent the possibility of reaching new heights.
For the protagonist, they might embody both a sense of opportunity and the looming pressure to assimilate and succeed.

Furthermore, considering the towers’ tragic fate, their presence in the dream adds a layer of foreshadowing and unease. This suggests that the pursuit of the American Dream can be fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The World Trade Center represents the peak of aspiration, tinged with a subtle premonition.

Themes and Concepts: Identity, Dreams, and the Blurred Lines of Reality

Having explored the significance of setting and characters, it’s essential to examine the symbolic tapestry woven throughout "Volar." These symbols—Superman, the act of flying, and the distant yet resonant presence of Puerto Rico—are not mere decorations. They are integral to understanding the narrative’s core themes: the complexities of identity, the power of dreams, and the delicate interplay between the worlds of fantasy and reality.

Identity: A Puerto Rican-American Tapestry

"Volar" offers a nuanced exploration of Puerto Rican-American identity, delving into the inherent cultural duality experienced by the protagonist. This duality is not presented as a simple binary but as a richly textured tapestry, woven from threads of heritage, aspiration, and the everyday realities of life in Paterson, New Jersey. The narrative confronts the challenges of belonging, questioning what it means to be both Puerto Rican and American, and whether these identities can truly coexist harmoniously.

The protagonist’s struggle to reconcile her cultural heritage with her American upbringing is a central conflict in the story. She is caught between the traditions and values of her family, deeply rooted in their Puerto Rican heritage, and the allure of American culture, represented by figures like Superman. This internal tension is not merely about choosing one identity over the other; it’s about forging a new, hybrid identity that embraces both.

Ultimately, "Volar" suggests that personal identity is profoundly shaped by one’s cultural background. The protagonist’s experiences, perspectives, and aspirations are all filtered through the lens of her Puerto Rican heritage. Even as she dreams of flying and transcending her circumstances, she remains grounded in the cultural values and traditions passed down through generations. This connection to her roots provides her with strength, resilience, and a unique perspective on the world.

Dreams: A Source of Hope and Agency

Dreams play a pivotal role in "Volar," serving as both a coping mechanism and a vital source of hope for the protagonist. In the face of economic hardship and the challenges of navigating a new culture, dreams offer an escape from reality and a glimpse of a brighter future.

The act of dreaming is not presented as mere escapism; it is an active form of resistance and a way for the protagonist to reclaim agency in her life. Her dreams of flying, in particular, symbolize her desire to overcome limitations, to transcend her circumstances, and to achieve her full potential.

These dreams provide her with a sense of possibility, allowing her to envision a future where she is not defined by her circumstances but empowered to shape her own destiny.

Especially considering the protagonist’s limited resources and societal constraints, her dreams become a powerful tool for self-empowerment. They fuel her imagination, nurture her aspirations, and provide her with the motivation to strive for a better life. Through her dreams, she discovers inner strength and resilience, refusing to be defined by the limitations of her reality.

Fantasy vs. Reality: Navigating Two Worlds

One of the most compelling aspects of "Volar" is its exploration of the tension between the protagonist’s rich inner world of fantasy and the often-harsh realities of her family’s daily life.

The narrative juxtaposes the protagonist’s fantastical dreams of flying with the family’s economic struggles and the cultural challenges they face. This juxtaposition highlights the inherent complexities of reconciling one’s aspirations with the limitations of one’s circumstances.

The story deftly navigates the complexities of reconciling fantasy and reality, suggesting that both are essential components of the human experience. While fantasy provides an escape and a source of hope, reality grounds us in the present and teaches us valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance.

However, there are potential drawbacks to both. An overreliance on fantasy can lead to disillusionment and a detachment from reality. Conversely, a complete immersion in reality can stifle creativity and limit one’s potential. "Volar" suggests that the key lies in finding a balance between the two, using fantasy as a source of inspiration and reality as a foundation for growth.

Ultimately, "volar" by Judith Ortiz Cofer beautifully captures that universal yearning for escape and self-discovery. It reminds us that identity isn’t a fixed point, but a fluid and evolving concept, shaped by our dreams, our heritage, and the ever-present tension between reality and imagination.