Answer:
In "Volar" by Judith Ortiz Cofer, the combination of vagueness and specificity in its setting creates an intriguing tension that shapes the reader's response to the story and provides deeper insight into the characters and their experiences.
On one hand, the story is vague about its general setting and time period, providing little information beyond the fact that it takes place in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in the United States. This vagueness allows the reader to focus on the specific details of the characters and their experiences, which are portrayed in vivid and memorable ways.
At the same time, the story is highly specific in its portrayal of the characters' environment and culture. The use of Spanish words and phrases, for example, provides a detailed sense of the characters' cultural identity and their connection to their community. The specific details of the neighborhood and its residents also add to the story's vividness and realism.
The combination of vagueness and specificity creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy in the story, allowing the reader to feel a strong connection to the characters and their experiences. It also allows the story to be read as a universal exploration of identity and cultural heritage, while also being firmly grounded in a specific time and place.
The tension between the vagueness and specificity in the story's setting adds to its complexity and depth, encouraging the reader to engage with the characters and their experiences on multiple levels. This, in turn, enhances the reader's understanding of the story's themes and messages, making it a rich and rewarding read.
Overall, the combination of vagueness and specificity in the setting of "Volar" shapes the reader's response to the story and adds to its richness and complexity. It allows the reader to feel a strong connection to the characters and their experiences, while also engaging with the story's universal themes and messages.
Step-by-step explanation: