"Woman Hollering Creek"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Sandra Cisneros' stories look into the cultural clash between man and woman, between the perceived hoped for life and the stark reality. In particular, the paper looks at how "Woman Hollering Creek" is a coming of age story set in a sharp contrast between well loved daughter and beaten desolate wife, from friend and respected community member to alone and outcast. The paper also examines how the character Cleofilas comes to understand the disparity between what the telenovelas in Mexico had promised in her married life and the reality of poor immigrant life in the U.S.

From the Paper:

"Cisneros attempts not to portray characters as victims but to find a balance between the exposure of that victimization and the emphasis on the need for inner strength, and the capacity of women to attain that strength (Rimer, 1998). Cleofilas has come from a loving, sheltered environment in Mexico and has not been exposed to abuse. Like many domestic assault victims she initially justifies her husband's violent behavior, makes excuses and denies the reality. Finally she is forced to the realization, and motivated to seek safety for her children, by outside women. She begins to see a different way of acting and living in the world, a way in which women are empowered, have choices and make their own reality."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barbato, Joseph. "Latino Writers in the American Market." Publishers Weekly. 1 February 1991. 17-21
• Cisneros, Sandra, Woman Hollering Creek and other stories , 1991, Random House, New York, NY.
• Cisneros, Sandra, The House on Mango Street , 1991, Vintage, New York, NY
• Cisneros, Sandra, My Wicked Ways , 1987,Third Woman Press, Berkley, CA
• Cisneros, Sandra, Caramelo, 2002, Knopf, New York, NY

More papers on "Woman Hollering Creek":

• Analytical Essay # 65288 : "Woman Hollering Creek"
• Book Review # 115901 : "Woman Hollering Creek"
• Book Review # 112873 : "Woman Hollering Creek" and Life Changes"

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