Essay Questions

How does the issue of adultery manifest itself in the book 'This is How You Lose Her' by Diaz?

Throughout the book, most characters are depicted as unfaithful because they have multiple partners. The parents lead in illicit sexual affairs, and their children learn this from them because it is presumed to be something normal in life. For instance, Yunior, who is portrayed as an individual who has the potential of being an upright man, fails to do so because the blood of cheating runs in his system. Yunior is courting a beautiful girl, but he still cheats on her with other women. Yunior is influenced to be a womanizer by the people around him, such as his brother, father, and close friends. Therefore, adultery is a normal thing in this society because children learn it from adult people.

How does the United States change the life of the emigrants?

Many characters in this book are immigrants who move to the United States of America in search of a better life and opportunities. However, relocating to the U.S.A comes with a cost because of the busy schedules and high living standards. In America, the immigrants realize that they do not have free time to visit friends and relatives. Similarly, people in America mind their business resulting in limited social interactions. Yunior's mother is among the characters who face the reality of culture shock because she finds herself living lonely with her family because everyone else is busy. Immigrants also have to struggle with the new language and culture. Additionally, America's lifestyle is carefree, which is why many couples cheat with other partners.

Is Yunior’s self-justifying eventually self-destructive?

When Yunior's girlfriend realizes that he is a womanizer, he defends himself, and he is not ready to change his behavior. He justifies his actions that whatever he is doing is right because everyone cheats. Yunior's girlfriend writes to the woman he cheats with, telling her about his unfaithfulness, but he refuses to change his behavior. At last, Yunior comes to realize that he has wasted his life.