Through this prominent, recurring motif, Díaz intricately layers his depiction of nascent masculinity. Yunior’s emotional intelligence, and the sensitivity that allows him to deeply feel a vast array of human emotions, are active antagonists against the stoic, unfeeling, cold, and brutal masculinity that both society at large and his father attempt to initiate him into. This internal battle provides one of the central conflicts of the collection, as Yunior’s characteristics are repeatedly assaulted and diminished by a hetero-patriarchal system which deems them effeminate, inferior and in need of eradication. Ultimately, Yunior’s ability to overcome these social/cultural mandates is implied through his clear-eyed, deeply-emotional voice as the adult narrator of “Negocios.” Díaz thus chronicles his struggle to be true to who he innately is, despite the powerful social and interpersonal forces that attempt to co-opt him in the name of masculinity. 

Díaz uses the motif of failed relationships and/or emotionally- and physically-abusive ones, to mount a critique of masculinity from a distinct angle. Many of the men in these stories find themselves lost in grief over a failed romantic relationship with a woman. Many of them find ways to redirect and project their grief, rather than facing it head-on.