Literary Analysis Of Woman Hollering Creek

Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros was published in 1991. Cisneros is most well known for her short story The House on Mango Street. She often writes about “the memories that will not let her sleep at night”. She follows the themes of sexism, poverty, racism, double standards, Mexican culture, followed by Spanish phrases wedged into her work. She enjoys writing about romance, domestic settings, the social status of women, and especially her culture. Woman Hollering Creek touches on the subject of a female victim of domestic abuse who desires a happily ever after. Sandra Cisneros uses an abundant amount of characterization to describe the actions, feelings, and manners of the people presented in this story. The author also expresses the theme of relationships through Cleofilas and her husband, Cleofilas and her father, and Cleofilas and herself. Lastly, she emphasizes symbolic elements through Cleofilas, a symbol of other women, as well as the creek, a symbol of escape. Sandra Cisneros in Woman Hollering Creek illustrates the importance of finding a sense of independence. You must love yourself before you love another.

Felice is an independent woman who lives a happy life. “Felice is free, she speaks herself into being, defying the social control that extends even to the geography” (Thomson). Felice does not have a husband, drives her own pickup, and provides immense help for Cleofilas. Cleofilas is fascinated by Felice and finds inspiration through her. The author claims “Everything about this woman, this Felice, amazed Cleofilas….she said she didn’t have a husband. The pickup was hers. She herself had chosen it. She herself was paying for it” (Cisneros). Felice gives Cleofilas hope for a new independent life and teaches a lesson that as a woman, you don’t necessarily need a man in your life to be happy, especially in a town like