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Figurative Language And Imagery In Cisneros Four Skinny Trees

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In the vignette “Four Skinny Trees”, Cisneros’ use of figurative language and imagery conveys the idea that Esperanza is trapped in Mango Street. In this vignette, Esperanza expresses her similarity with the trees by using personification, she writes, “Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine” (pg. 74). By comparing herself to the trees, Esperanza expresses her feeling of being trapped in Mango Street. The author writes, “Four who do not belong here but are here. Four raggedy excuses planted by the city.” (pg. 74). In this quote, the author uses many metaphors, which are comparing the trees to Esperanza. By expressing that the trees do not belong here, she also feels that she does not belong where she is, Mango Street. …show more content…

Keep, keep, keep, trees say when I sleep. They teach.” (pg. 75). Esperanza must remember her reason for being, otherwise she too will “droop like [a] tulip in a glass”, her similarity to the trees is also in her perseverance. The use of the words “arms around each other” portrays that the trees protect each other, almost like a family. These qualities of the trees lead esperanza to idolize them, “When I am too sad and too skinny to keep keeping, when I am a tiny thing against so many bricks, then it is I look at trees.” (pg. 75) she looks up to the trees and by comparing herself to them, is reminded that she too can grow tall and mighty like the trees before her. Later in the passage, she writes “Four who grew despite concrete. Four who reach and do not forget to reach.” (pg. 75). Esperanza is reminded that despite her “concrete” of Mango Street she can still “grow” and “reach and not forget to reach” for she is like a tree

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