In "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," Yunior's chapter on Abelard illustrates several themes related to storytelling and the writing of history. Abelard is a historical figure who lived in the 12th century and was a famous philosopher and theologian. Yunior's chapter is focused on Abelard's relationship with his student Heloise, which is a tragic love story that has been told and retold over the centuries.
One of the key themes in Yunior's chapter is the idea that storytelling and the writing of history are subjective and often unreliable. Yunior notes that the story of Abelard and Heloise has been told in many different ways, with different interpretations and details emphasized depending on who is telling it. Yunior himself admits that his version of the story is based on his own biases and perspectives, and he acknowledges that other people might tell the story differently.
Another theme in the chapter is the power dynamics of storytelling and the writing of history. Abelard is a famous philosopher and theologian, and his version of events is the one that has been recorded and preserved over the centuries. Heloise, on the other hand, is often seen as a footnote in history, despite the fact that she was a brilliant scholar in her own right and played an important role in the events that took place.
Overall, Yunior's chapter on Abelard highlights the ways in which storytelling and the writing of history are shaped by personal biases, power dynamics, and the cultural and social contexts in which they are told. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and challenging dominant narratives, and recognizing the multiple perspectives and voices that make up our understanding of the past