Salvador Plascencia’s debut novel, The People of Paper, is a work of magical realism that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling. The novel is narrated by multiple characters, each with their own unique perspective and voice, and is structured as a series of interconnected stories that weave together to create a larger narrative. At its core, The People of Paper is an allegory for the creative process and the struggle between author and character.
The novel’s central conflict revolves around a group of characters who rebel against their creator, a tyrannical author named Saturn. They resist his control and attempt to push him to the margins, hiding under lead to escape his gaze. However, when Saturn is revealed, he is far from the powerful figure they imagined. The characters’ rebellion ultimately leads to their own destruction, highlighting the dangers of challenging the authority of the author. Through this allegory, Plascencia explores the complex relationship between creator and creation, and the power dynamics that exist within the creative process.
Overview of ‘The People of Paper’
‘The People of Paper’ is a novel by Salvador Plascencia that was first published in 2005. The novel is a postmodern work of fiction that combines elements of magical realism, science fiction, and metafiction to tell a story about the power dynamics between authors and their characters.
The novel is set in the town of El Monte, California, and follows the lives of several characters, including a man named Federico de la Fe, who is made entirely out of paper, and a woman named Merced de Papel, who is made entirely out of water. These characters are all struggling to find their place in the world and to understand their relationship to their creator, a writer named Saturn.
Throughout the novel, Plascencia uses various literary devices to explore themes of identity, power, and the nature of reality. He also employs a unique narrative structure that jumps back and forth in time and includes footnotes, diagrams, and other non-traditional elements.
The Allegorical Elements
Characters as Symbols
The characters in “The People of Paper” are used as symbols to represent different aspects of the human experience. Saturn, the main character, represents the author himself, and his struggles with writing and creating art. Baby Nostradamus is a symbol of prophecy and the power of words, while Federico de la Fe represents the destructive nature of love. The flower pickers who go off to war represent the sacrifices people make for their beliefs, and the saints who reclaim their crowns represent the search for redemption.
Themes and Motifs
The themes and motifs in “The People of Paper” are used to explore deeper meanings and ideas. One of the main themes is the power of language and storytelling. The novel explores the idea that language has the power to shape reality and create new worlds. Another theme is the search for identity and self-discovery. Many of the characters in the novel are struggling to find their place in the world and understand who they are. The motif of paper is also used throughout the novel, representing the fragility and impermanence of life.
Author’s Background and Influence
Salvador Plascencia’s Personal History
Salvador Plascencia was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and later moved to the United States. He grew up in a bilingual household and was exposed to both Mexican and American cultures. Plascencia’s background has influenced his writing, as he often explores themes of identity, culture, and language in his work.
Literary Inspirations
Plascencia’s literary inspirations include Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino. He is also influenced by the works of the Beat Generation writers, such as Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs. Plascencia’s writing style is often described as experimental and postmodern, incorporating elements of magical realism and non-linear storytelling.
Plascencia’s debut novel, The People of Paper, is a prime example of his unique writing style. The novel explores the themes of identity, love, and loss through the use of multiple narrators and non-linear storytelling. The book has been widely acclaimed and has earned Plascencia a cult following.
Narrative Structure and Style
Writing Techniques
Salvador Plascencia’s The People of Paper employs a unique writing style that blends various techniques to create a complex narrative. The author employs a mix of magical realism, metafiction, and stream of consciousness to create a compelling story that keeps the reader engaged. The use of magical realism allows Plascencia to explore the surreal and the fantastic, while the metafictional elements enable him to question the nature of storytelling and the role of the author in creating a narrative. The stream of consciousness technique adds an intimate and personal touch to the story, bringing the reader closer to the characters.
Point of View and Voice
The People of Paper is a polyvocal narrative that employs multiple points of view and voices. The story is told from the perspective of various characters, including the author himself, who is portrayed as a character in the story. The use of multiple voices and perspectives allows Plascencia to explore different identities and narrative perspectives, creating a rich and complex story. The author’s voice is also prominent in the story, as he uses footnotes and asides to provide commentary and insights into the narrative. This creates a sense of intimacy between the author and the reader, as the reader is invited into the author’s thought process and creative process.
Symbolism of Paper
Paper as a Material
Paper is a recurring motif in The People of Paper. The title itself implies that the characters are as fragile and easily torn as paper. This is a metaphor for the human condition, where people are susceptible to being damaged by external forces. The use of paper as a material is also significant because it is a medium for storytelling. The characters in the novel are like characters in a story, and their lives are being written by the author.
Metaphorical Meanings
The metaphorical meanings of paper in the novel are numerous. Paper is often associated with bureaucracy, as it is used for official documents and records. This is seen in the novel through the character of Federico de la Fe, who is a government agent tasked with deporting illegal immigrants. Paper is also associated with communication, as it is used for letters and books. This is seen in the novel through the character of Saturn, who is a writer struggling to communicate with his girlfriend Liz.
Another metaphorical meaning of paper in the novel is that it represents the boundary between reality and fiction. This is seen in the novel through the character of Little Merced, who is a fictional character that comes to life and interacts with the real world. Paper is also associated with memory, as it is used for photographs and journals. This is seen in the novel through the character of Froggy, who keeps a journal of his experiences as an illegal immigrant.
Interpretations of Allegory
Cultural Identity
The People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia is an allegory that explores the theme of cultural identity. The characters in the novel represent various ethnicities and cultures, each with their own unique identity. The author uses magical realism to blur the lines between fiction and reality, creating a world where cultural identity is constantly in flux. Through the characters’ struggles to define themselves and their place in the world, Plascencia highlights the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges faced by those who straddle multiple cultures.
Struggle and Liberation
Another interpretation of the allegory in The People of Paper is the theme of struggle and liberation. The characters in the novel are constantly fighting against various forms of oppression, whether it be from Saturn, the tyrannical author who controls their lives, or from the societal norms that restrict their freedom. The novel is a powerful commentary on the struggle for liberation and the importance of fighting against oppressive forces. Through the characters’ struggles, Plascencia highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Critical Reception
Critics have generally praised Salvador Plascencia’s The People of Paper for its unique style and use of magical realism. The novel has been described as a complex and multi-layered allegory that explores themes of identity, power, and the immigrant experience. Plascencia’s use of non-linear storytelling, multiple narrators, and experimental typography has also been praised for its innovation and creativity.
However, some reviewers have criticized the novel for its fragmented structure and confusing plot. Some readers have found the use of magical realism to be excessive and distracting, while others have argued that the novel’s themes are too abstract and difficult to grasp.
Despite these criticisms, The People of Paper has been widely recognized as an important work of contemporary literature. It has been translated into several languages and has won numerous awards, including the 2006 Bard Fiction Prize and the 2006 Borders Original Voices Award. The novel has also been included in several “best of” lists, including Time Magazine’s Top 10 Fiction Books of 2005.