“Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

“Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb, first published in 1986, resonates deeply with readers through its vivid portrayal of Los Angeles as a stage for both love and human folly. The story centers on Jake, a man whose chance encounter with the captivating Mariana on the freeway reveals his tendency to embellish his life to impress women. Gilb deftly explores themes of self-deception, aspiration, and the elusive nature of romantic connection. He skillfully contrasts the chaotic energy of the city with Jake’s internal yearning and ambition. The narrative blends humor with a poignant undercurrent, encouraging readers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the often elusive pursuit of happiness within the vibrant tapestry of a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles.

Main Events: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

1. Urban Alienation and Traffic Congestion: In the opening scene of “Love in L.A.,” Dagoberto Gilb paints a picture of urban alienation and traffic congestion as Jake navigates the gridlock of the Hollywood Freeway. The concrete imagery underscores Jake’s sense of entrapment beneath the overpass on Alvarado Street, reflecting the isolating nature of city life.
2. Materialism and Consumer Culture: Through Jake’s daydreams about owning a luxurious car with plush interiors and modern amenities, Gilb explores themes of materialism and consumer culture. Jake’s desire for material wealth highlights the pervasive influence of consumerism in his life and the pursuit of status symbols in a city like Los Angeles.
3. Impulsive Actions and Unintended Consequences: Jake’s impulsive decision to merge into traffic without proper caution leads to an unintended collision with a Toyota. Despite his attempts to avoid responsibility, the consequences of his actions are unavoidable, emphasizing the irony of his situation and the unpredictability of life in the city.
4. 4. Charisma and Deception: Jake’s charismatic personality shines through in his interactions with Mariana, whom he attempts to charm following the collision. However, Mariana’s initial suspicion suggests a tension between Jake’s charm and his tendency towards deception, highlighting the complexities of human relationships.
5. 5. Cultural Identity and Communication: Mariana’s Venezuelan heritage adds depth to her character and illustrates the complexities of cultural identity and communication in a diverse city like Los Angeles. The interaction between Jake and Mariana highlights the challenges of understanding and connecting across cultural divides.
6. 6. Gender Dynamics and Social Expectations: Jake’s flirtatious remarks towards Mariana reflect societal gender norms and expectations, revealing the power dynamics inherent in their interaction. Mariana’s response to Jake’s advances demonstrates a negotiation of social expectations and personal boundaries within the context of their encounter.
7. 7. Responsibility and Accountability: Mariana’s insistence on following proper procedures after the collision underscores themes of responsibility and accountability. Jake’s attempts to evade responsibility highlight his moral ambiguity and the ethical dilemmas he faces in his interactions with others.
8. 8. Skepticism and Trust: Mariana’s initial skepticism towards Jake reflects broader themes of trust and mistrust in human relationships. The tension between sincerity and deception underscores the complexity of human interactions and the challenges of establishing genuine connections in a city marked by superficiality.

Literary Devices/Narrative Devices: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

Literary/Narrative Device	Reference from “Love in L.A.”	Definition
1. Allusion	Not explicitly present in the story	An indirect reference to a person, event, or piece of literature or art.
2. Characterization	Description of Jake’s thoughts and actions throughout the story	The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.
3. Conflict	Jake’s internal conflict between his desires and responsibilities	A struggle between opposing forces, usually driving the plot forward.
4. Dialogue	Conversation between Jake and Mariana	The words spoken by characters in a story, often revealing their thoughts and feelings.
5. Flashback	Not present in the story	An interruption in the chronological order of events to provide background information.
6. Foreshadowing	Jake’s daydreams about owning a luxurious car	Hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.
7. Imagery	Description of the urban landscape and traffic congestion	Vivid language that appeals to the senses, creating a mental image for the reader.
8. Irony	Jake’s desire for a better life juxtaposed with his current situation	A contrast between expectation and reality, often with humorous or dramatic effect.
9. Metaphor	Jake’s comparison of new cars to waterbeds	A figure of speech that implies a comparison between two unlike things.
10. Mood	Atmosphere of urban isolation and congestion	The emotional tone or atmosphere created by a piece of writing.
11. Motif	References to traffic congestion and collisions	A recurring element or theme that contributes to the overall meaning of the story.
12. Personification	Description of the traffic as “near motionless”	Giving human-like qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
13. Plot Twist	Jake’s collision with the Toyota and subsequent interaction with Mariana	A sudden change in the direction or outcome of the plot, often unexpected.
14. Point of View	Third-person limited perspective focusing on Jake’s thoughts and experiences	The perspective from which a story is told, influencing the reader’s understanding.
15. Repetition	Jake’s repeated attempts to charm Mariana	The recurrence of words, phrases, or actions, emphasizing their significance.
16. Satire	Implicit critique of consumer culture through Jake’s daydreams	The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human folly or societal issues.
17. Setting	Urban environment of Los Angeles during traffic congestion	The time and place in which a story takes place, influencing its mood and characters.
18. Symbolism	Jake’s desire for a luxurious car symbolizing his aspirations	The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning.
19. Tone	Jake’s casual and flirtatious demeanor	The author’s attitude toward the subject matter, conveyed through language and style.
20. Unreliable Narrator	Jake’s deceptive behavior and exaggerated claims	A narrator whose credibility is compromised, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Characterization: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

Major Characters:

1. Jake: The protagonist of the story, Jake is portrayed as a dreamer who is dissatisfied with his current circumstances but lacks the motivation to change them. He is characterized by his casual attitude, charm, and tendency to embellish the truth to impress others. For example, Jake fantasizes about owning a luxurious car with “crushed velvet interior” and “mellow speakers,” showcasing his desire for a more glamorous lifestyle. Additionally, his interactions with Mariana reveal his flirtatious nature and his willingness to bend the truth to avoid consequences.
2. Mariana: The woman Jake collides with on the freeway, Mariana serves as a catalyst for Jake’s self-reflection and desire for change. While she appears briefly in the story, Mariana is characterized as responsible and cautious, contrasting with Jake’s carefree attitude. Her refusal to engage in Jake’s advances and insistence on following proper procedures highlight her practical nature.

Minor Characters:

1. Driver of the Toyota: Though unnamed, the driver of the Toyota plays a crucial role in the story’s inciting incident. Their brief interaction with Jake after the collision serves to further highlight Jake’s lack of accountability and his tendency to manipulate situations to his advantage.
2. Jake’s Imagined Women: Throughout the story, Jake imagines encounters with various women, such as those in “satin gowns” at “dark nightclubs.” These imagined women represent Jake’s fantasies and desires for a more glamorous and exciting life. However, they also serve to emphasize the contrast between Jake’s dreams and the mundane reality of his existence.

Writing Style: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

Writing Style Element	Description	Example from the Story
Descriptive Language	Gilb employs vivid descriptions to evoke the setting of Los Angeles and the characters’ emotions.	“Jake slouched in a clot of near motionless traffic, in the peculiar gray of concrete, smog, and early morning beneath the overpass of the Hollywood Freeway on Alvarado Street.”
Dialogue	The story features naturalistic dialogue that reveals the characters’ personalities and motivations.	“It didn’t even scratch my paint,” Jake told her in that way of his. “So how’s it going? Any damage to the car? I’m kinda hoping so, just so it takes a little more time and we can talk some.”
Internal Monologue	Gilb provides insight into Jake’s thoughts and desires through internal monologue, allowing readers to understand his perspective.	“He needed an FM radio in something better than this ’58 Buick he drove. It would have crushed velvet interior with electric controls for the L.A. summer, a nice warm heater and defroster for the winter drives at the beach, a cruise control for those longer trips…”
Symbolism	The story utilizes symbolism to convey deeper meaning, such as Jake’s car representing his aspirations and the collision symbolizing the intersection of his fantasies with reality.	Jake’s desire for a luxurious car symbolizes his longing for a more glamorous and fulfilling life, while the collision serves as a wake-up call, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.
Irony	Gilb employs irony to highlight the disparity between Jake’s fantasies and the reality of his situation.	Despite Jake’s fantasies of a sophisticated and carefree lifestyle, he is stuck in traffic in a dilapidated car, highlighting the irony of his situation.
Humor	The story features moments of humor, often stemming from Jake’s exaggerated perceptions and self-deception.	“He inhaled her scent like it was clean air and straightened out his less than new but not unhip clothes.”

Main Themes: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

1. Illusion vs. Reality: “Love in L.A.” explores the theme of illusion versus reality through the protagonist, Jake, who indulges in fantasies of a glamorous and carefree lifestyle but is confronted with the harsh realities of his mundane existence. Jake’s daydreams of luxury cars, exotic colognes, and romantic encounters contrast sharply with his actual circumstances of being stuck in traffic in a beat-up Buick and living a rather ordinary life. The collision with Mariana’s car serves as a wake-up call for Jake, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the disparity between his fantasies and the truth of his situation.
2. Deception and Self-Deception: The theme of deception and self-deception is prominent in “Love in L.A.,” as Jake presents himself in a manner that is often exaggerated or misleading. He attempts to impress Mariana with his charm and aspirations of being a musician, even though he is merely a struggling individual stuck in a dead-end job. Jake’s willingness to deceive others reflects his desire to escape the monotony of his reality and portray himself as someone more exciting and successful than he truly is.
3. Consequences of Actions: Throughout the story, Gilb explores the theme of the consequences of actions, particularly through the collision between Jake’s Buick and Mariana’s Toyota. The accident serves as a catalyst for Jake’s interactions with Mariana and forces him to confront the repercussions of his careless driving and deceptive behavior. Additionally, the consequences of Jake’s actions extend beyond the physical damage to the vehicles, highlighting the emotional and relational impact of his choices.
4. The Search for Connection: “Love in L.A.” also delves into the theme of the search for connection, as both Jake and Mariana seek companionship and understanding amidst the chaos of Los Angeles. Despite their initial encounter being the result of a car accident, Jake and Mariana engage in conversation and attempt to establish a connection, albeit tinged with deception on Jake’s part. Their interaction reflects a universal longing for human connection and intimacy, even in the midst of life’s unpredictability and challenges.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

Literary Theory	Interpretation
Marxist Criticism	In “Love in L.A.,” Marxist criticism may interpret Jake’s desire for a luxurious lifestyle and his deception of others as a reflection of societal pressures and inequalities. Jake’s longing for material wealth and social status could be seen as a response to the capitalist system, where success is often equated with possessions and appearances. Additionally, the collision between Jake’s Buick and Mariana’s Toyota may symbolize the clash between different socioeconomic classes, highlighting the disparities and tensions within society.
Feminist Criticism	From a feminist perspective, “Love in L.A.” may be analyzed through the lens of gender roles and power dynamics. Mariana’s character, although initially portrayed as a victim of Jake’s reckless driving, demonstrates agency and independence in her interactions with him. Despite Jake’s attempts to charm her, Mariana maintains control over the situation and asserts her boundaries. Furthermore, the story may prompt discussions about how women are portrayed and treated by male characters like Jake, highlighting issues of objectification and agency in relationships.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Psychoanalytic criticism of “Love in L.A.” may focus on Jake’s psyche and motivations behind his behavior. Jake’s exaggerated fantasies and deceptive tendencies could be interpreted as manifestations of his inner desires and insecurities. His longing for a glamorous lifestyle and his attempts to impress Mariana may stem from feelings of inadequacy or a need for validation. Additionally, the collision with Mariana’s car may symbolize a moment of reckoning for Jake, where he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and reconcile his internal conflicts.
Postcolonial Criticism	Postcolonial interpretation of “Love in L.A.” may explore themes of cultural identity and representation within the context of Los Angeles. The story’s portrayal of characters like Jake and Mariana, who come from diverse backgrounds, raises questions about assimilation, belonging, and cultural hybridity. Additionally, the collision between Jake’s Buick and Mariana’s Toyota may symbolize the collision of different cultures and identities in a multicultural city like Los Angeles. Postcolonial analysis may also examine power dynamics and inequalities between different ethnic and social groups depicted in the story.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

1. Identity and Deception

• How does Jake’s portrayal of himself differ from reality, and what does this reveal about the theme of identity?
• What role does deception play in Jake’s interactions with Mariana, and how does it impact their relationship?
• Thesis Statement: In “Love in L.A.,” Dagoberto Gilb explores the theme of identity through Jake’s deceptive behavior, revealing the complexities of self-presentation and the consequences of misrepresentation in relationships.

2. Socioeconomic Disparities

• How are socioeconomic disparities depicted in the story, particularly through the collision between Jake’s Buick and Mariana’s Toyota?
• What commentary does the story offer on the pursuit of material wealth and social status?
• Thesis Statement: “Love in L.A.” highlights the socioeconomic disparities present in Los Angeles society, emphasizing the allure of material wealth and the challenges faced by individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

3. Gender Dynamics and Agency

• How does Mariana assert her agency in her interactions with Jake, despite his attempts to charm her?
• What role do gender dynamics play in shaping the characters’ perceptions and behaviors?
• Thesis Statement: Through the character of Mariana, “Love in L.A.” challenges traditional gender roles and explores themes of agency and empowerment, showcasing the complexity of female characters in the narrative.

4. Cultural Identity and Assimilation

• How do Jake and Mariana’s cultural backgrounds influence their perspectives and actions?
• What commentary does the story offer on the concept of assimilation and cultural identity in a diverse city like Los Angeles?
• Thesis Statement: “Love in L.A.” delves into questions of cultural identity and assimilation, highlighting the complexities of navigating diverse cultural landscapes and the impact of cultural heritage on individual experiences.

Short Questions/Answers: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

1. How does Jake’s deceptive behavior impact his interactions with Mariana? Jake’s deceptive behavior, such as lying about his identity and intentions, creates a facade that initially charms Mariana but ultimately leads to a breakdown in their relationship. For example, when Jake lies about his profession as a musician and his living situation, he presents himself as someone he is not, leading Mariana to question his sincerity. This deception undermines trust and authenticity in their interaction, highlighting the superficiality of Jake’s approach to love and his inability to form genuine connections.
2. What socioeconomic disparities are depicted in “Love in L.A.”? The collision between Jake’s dilapidated Buick and Mariana’s new Toyota serves as a metaphor for the socioeconomic disparities prevalent in Los Angeles. Jake’s older vehicle symbolizes his lower economic status, while Mariana’s newer car represents affluence. This juxtaposition underscores the divide between the haves and the have-nots in the city, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals like Jake who struggle to attain material wealth and social status. The disparity in their vehicles also serves as a barrier to their potential relationship, reflecting broader societal inequalities.
3. How does Mariana assert her agency in the story? Mariana asserts her agency by maintaining her independence and making decisions that prioritize her own well-being. Despite Jake’s attempts to charm her, Mariana remains cautious and refuses to be swayed by his advances. For example, she declines Jake’s invitation to breakfast and insists on exchanging insurance information following their car accident, demonstrating her assertiveness and refusal to be manipulated. Mariana’s agency challenges traditional gender roles and empowers her to control the narrative of their interaction, ultimately positioning her as a strong and self-assured character in the story.
4. What commentary does “Love in L.A.” offer on cultural identity and assimilation? “Love in L.A.” explores the complexities of cultural identity and assimilation in a diverse city like Los Angeles. Jake and Mariana’s differing cultural backgrounds influence their perspectives and interactions, highlighting the challenges of navigating cultural diversity. For example, Jake’s assumption about Mariana’s ethnicity based on her appearance reflects stereotypes and assumptions about cultural identity. Additionally, Mariana’s reluctance to engage in further interaction with Jake suggests a wariness of assimilating into his world, underscoring the importance of cultural authenticity and the resistance to cultural erasure.

Literary Works Similar to “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

1. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates Like “Love in L.A.,” this short story explores themes of deception, identity, and power dynamics, particularly in relationships between men and women.
2. “The Swimmer” by John Cheever Similar to “Love in L.A.,” this story delves into the theme of disillusionment and the pursuit of an elusive ideal, as the protagonist embarks on a journey that reveals the emptiness beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect life.
3. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor This story shares themes of deception and unexpected encounters, as a family’s road trip takes a dark turn when they encounter a violent criminal known as “The Misfit.”
4. “Babylon Revisited” by F. Scott Fitzgerald Like “Love in L.A.,” this story explores themes of regret and missed opportunities as a man returns to Paris in an attempt to reconcile with his past and regain custody of his daughter.
5. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman While different in tone and setting, this story shares themes of confinement and the struggle for autonomy, as the protagonist grapples with her deteriorating mental state and the oppressive environment imposed upon her.

Suggested Readings: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

• Gilb, Dagoberto. “Love in L.A.” The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories, edited by Tobias Wolff, Vintage Books, 1994, pp. 412-419.
• Gilb, Dagoberto. “Love in L.A.” Before the End, After the Beginning: Stories, Grove Press, 2008, pp. 63-69.

For online resources:

• The New Yorker: www.newyorker.com (Search for “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb)
• JSTOR: www.jstor.org (Search for scholarly articles on “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb)
• Project MUSE: muse.jhu.edu (Search for academic essays on “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb)

Representative Quotes: “Love in L.A.” by Dagoberto Gilb

1. “I certainly didn’t do that every day of his life, and he’d assure anyone who’d ask that he never would either.” – Jake reflects on his habitual avoidance of the daily grind, hinting at his desire for freedom from the monotony of everyday life.
2. “One second sooner and it would only have been close. One second more and he’d be crawling up the Toyota’s trunk.” – The narrative emphasizes the significance of split-second decisions and their potential consequences, highlighting the theme of fate versus free will.
3. “It’s amazing how easy it is to put a dent in these new cars. They’re so soft they might replace waterbeds soon.” – Jake’s flippant attitude towards responsibility and his tendency to deflect blame reveal his lack of integrity and moral ambiguity.
4. “You’re not married, are you? Not that that would matter that much to me. I’m an open-minded kind a guy.” – Jake’s attempt to flirt with Mariana, despite having caused a car accident, underscores his superficial charm and self-serving nature.
5. “I just forgot it this morning. I’m a musician,” he exaggerated greatly, “and, well, I dunno, I left my wallet in the pants I was wearing last night.” – Jake’s deceptive excuse for not having his driver’s license reflects his inclination towards dishonesty and manipulation in order to avoid accountability.
6. “What if we don’t report it to the insurance companies? I’ll just get it fixed for you.” – Jake’s proposal to handle the accident without involving insurance demonstrates his willingness to engage in unethical behavior for his own benefit.
7. “I don’t think my dad would let me do that.” – Mariana’s mention of her father highlights the theme of parental influence and authority, suggesting that she is still reliant on her family for guidance and support.
8. “Your dad? It’s not your car?” – Jake’s realization that Mariana’s car was bought for her by her father underscores the socioeconomic disparity between them and raises questions about privilege and entitlement.
9. “He was confused about how to proceed with this. So much seemed so unlikely, but there was always possibility.” – Jake’s internal conflict reflects his uncertainty about the outcome of his encounter with Mariana and his willingness to entertain the possibility of a positive outcome despite the odds.
10. “I guess you better write the name of that down too.” – Mariana’s insistence on obtaining Jake’s insurance information highlights her pragmatism and refusal to be swayed by Jake’s attempts to evade responsibility.