In the book, Krik? Krak!, the author Danticat utilizes juxtaposition. There are many instances throughout the series of short stories in which the miserable characters have to face the harsh reality while attempting to stay on the bright side in the chaos. Three characters in particular are a lonely girl missing her lover, a doubtful father, and a misled maid. These characters make choices that are greatly influenced by their circumstances. The miserable characters create a mood full of sadness and leave the reader thinking, did the pain overcome their temporary happiness or did the happiness overcome their agony?
In the first story, Children of the Sea, the lonely lover is miserable in the conditions of Haiti. However, she has a bit of hope because of her undying love for the boy. She continues to believe that he is alive and he is what keeps her happy. “behind these mountains are more mountains and more black butterflies still and a sea that is endless like my love for you” (Danticat 29).…show more content… In the beginning, him and his family are conversing about little Guys new role in a school play. “our boy is in a play. Lili quickly robbed Little Guy the honor of telling his father the news” (Danticat 53). Next, Guy is miserable and troubled by the idea of being like his father which eventually leads him to his death. “I know because I remember my father, who was a very poor and struggling man all his life. I remember him as a man that I would never want to be” (Danticat 75). Eventually his dream gets fulfilled and he manages to fly the hot air balloon. Not much later, he jumps off committing suicide in front of his family. In the end, Guy was overwhelmed with the sorrow that it led him to his death. This moment in the book leaves the reader in grief and compassionate with
