The run-on sentences and fragments mirror the non-linear structure of the book, resembling an oral history of a Chicana community. Although the structure is relatively unconventional it is effective in portraying an oral tradition or perhaps a manifestation of memory. The voices of the characters almost seem to come alive in "Little Miracles, Kept Promises". The word orders of the little prayers mimicked Spanish grammatical rules and Cisneros seemed to create somewhat of a hybrid of both languages and perhaps create something that is neither Anglo-American or Mexican but instead, something that is identifiably Chicana.
The novel also demythisizes the typical Chicana image by portraying them as "the passive virgin, sinful seductress, and traitorous mother." (Wikipedia) Most of the anecdotal stories are told from the perspective of women and portray the men as misogynists. One of the few that are not told by women is "Los Boxers". A widowed husband has been seemingly domesticated after his wife's death. He discusses ice cubes as a miracle solution to all stains. It is interesting to read how he remembers his wife through seemingly mundane chores and how the wheels have turned and he has taken a more feminine role.
Los Boxers, along with most of the stories, seem to be a critique of marriage. The husbands all seem to have mistresses and at times have kids outside their marriage. With the protagonist of "Los Boxers", there seems to be a bit of ambiguity. He is telling the story instead of the wife.
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3 comments:
I like your word 'unconventional' to describe this book. That is exactly what it is, as I feel the stories told aren't the usual you find in a book. Cisneros is much more blunt, and i sometimes feel as if i;m reading somebody's oersonal diary.
I think it is interesting, and I like how you related the writing style of this book to Chicana oral history. I totally agree with you because oral history is often fragmented, bits of memories and stories that have been pieced together; and this is definitely evident in her book.
I found that her 'hybrid' of two languages was very interesting. It further outlines the situations that these women faced. They did not belong in American yet they did not reflect entirely what it is to be Mexican.
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