Answer:
In "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," the narrator makes the observation that dictators and writers are often intertwined, and that dictators tend to view writers as competitors. The narrator states, "Dictators know competition when they see it, and writers are slippery creatures that elude easy categorization" (footnote 11 p. 97).
This observation is significant because it speaks to the power of words and ideas. Dictators are threatened by writers because writers have the ability to challenge their authority and inspire people to think differently. Writers can expose the truth about a regime, reveal its flaws and inconsistencies, and inspire people to stand up against oppression.
In addition, writers can also provide a platform for dissent and a voice for those who have been silenced by dictators. Dictators know that writers have the power to inspire people to question their authority, and that is why they often go to great lengths to censor and control the written word.
At the same time, writers are also threatened by dictators, as they represent a force that can stifle creativity, suppress freedom of expression, and limit the range of ideas that can be expressed. In many countries, writers have been imprisoned or even killed for their work, and their voices have been silenced by those in power.
Overall, the narrator's observation highlights the tension that exists between those who hold power and those who seek to challenge it. Dictators and writers represent two opposing forces, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. While dictators have the power of coercion and control, writers have the power of ideas and the ability to inspire change. Ultimately, it is the struggle between these two forces that shapes the course of history and determines the fate of nations.
Step-by-step explanation: