Identity A close look at the relationship between the Rio Joey and The Philippines in the
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In the Novel Dogeaters, Jessica Hagedorn uses characters to represent larger issues that are present in the Philippines. This figural use of the characters is effective because the reader gets a more personified view of the important social, cultural and political issues and can relate more with the Philippines even if they have no prior knowledge about it. Two characters in this novel that make a large impact on the story are Rio Gonzaga and Joey Sands. Rio Gonzaga is the stable backbone in the novel. In a novel full of unrelated characters, Rio brings all the characters to light by exposing their severe weaknesses in contrast with her surprising strength of character and rationality. Joey represents the chaos of Manila. Ever since he was born he has had to deal with the pressures of trying to survive in such a slum. Joey's character is struggling to find his identity within the chaos of the Manila club scene. In this essay I will be discussing the issues that these characters face and how they represent the bigger spectrum of issues in the Philippines using their struggle to find an identity and a place to belong.
Rio is the only character in this chaotic novel that brings the reader balance and stability...