The Neighborhood Idiot By Jose Armo Analysis

Flawlessly expressed from former president Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort” (Brooks). In “El Tonto Del Barrio” or “The neighborhood Idiot” by Jose Armas, money enervated the joy and creativity of Romero, and because of this, his emotional freedom vanished under the financial mindset that got bestowed upon him by misguided influence. The underlying theme of money’s inability to create happiness, but corruption, is displayed though the author’s use of dynamic characterization, the symbolic contrast of ideas between Barelas and Seferino, and the expulsion of Romero’s intrinsic motivation as an internal conflict that conveys the powerful

The contrast between the characters Barelas and Seferino conveys the wise knowledge one gains from experience and the bothersome disillusionment concerning money and happiness, therefore symbolizing the disparity between the foolish youth and the learned individual. Growing up, Seferino notices the relatively ill-mannered treatment Romero was receiving for his efforts. He was barely getting paid at all, and according to Seferino’s viewpoint, he wasn’t getting enough respect nor appreciation because of his low wages. Barelas, however, disagrees with his son’s assertion because although his argument logically makes sense, there is still experience from his viewpoint that causes him to disagree:
Barelas just knew his son was putting something over on him but he didn’t know how to answer. It seemed to make sense the way Seferino explained it. But it still went against his “instinct.” On the other hand, Seferino had gone and finished high school. He must know something. There were few kids who had finished high school in the barrio.