Trash

“My name is Raphael Fernandez and I am a dumpsite boy.” 

Raphael identifies, first and foremost, as a dumpsite boy. The first line of the book provides immediate perspective into his reality. In the beginning, he does not describe himself as unhappy with the situation: He is resigned to it but cheerful. By the end of the novel, he has come to understand that he and the people of Behala deserve more from their identities. The fact that they can tolerate their situations does not mean that they should. 

“You live day to day and hope you don’t get sick. Your life is the hook you carry, there in your hand, turning the trash.”

Raphael understands that without the trash he would have no way to live. He identifies his life as the hook in his hand, which allows him to sort through the refuse more efficiently. Illness is a constant danger, and uncertainty from day to day is the norm.

“He can be mean, it’s true—but then again he’s taken more beatings than me so maybe he’s grown up faster.”

Raphael’s description of Gardo shows that they live in a world of normalized violence. Even if Gardo has been beaten more, Raphael has still been beaten and can speak of beatings cavalierly, as if they are a common occurrence. Raphael also views violence as an accelerator toward adulthood.