What defines a person? Someone might say their appearance or how they are called; but I think differently. Authors like Judith Ortiz Cofer and Maya Angelou explain what defines a person through figurative languages and metaphors explaining how what defines someone is their identity in “Abuela Invents the Zero” and “Still I Rise”. In the writings “Abuela Invents the Zero” and “Still I Rise” the main characters talk in certain ways to portray their feelings and comparisons about their own goings and problems like with Constancia with her Abuela and the character of Maya Angelou. Both “Abuela Invents the Zero” and “Still I Rise” use figurative language to reveal how people can be drastically different; with one being confident while the other is ashamed. …show more content…
This is backed up by a quote stated in the narrative saying " I’m a praying mantis, keeping my head down so as not to see or be seen.". This quote explains how she does not want to be seen with her grandmother around the church. From how she acts to this quote in the narrative that strengthens that the metaphors used are comparisons of different things and her being ashamed and embarrassed to be seen around with her grandmother. In the text "Still I Rise" by Maya Angolou, the author uses similes to reveal that the speaker is self-assertive and confident. For example, in the text it says "Does my haughtiness offend you? Don't you take it awful hard 'cause laugh like I've got gold mines diggin' in my own backyard." This quote shows the speaker is confident and self-assertive with how she shoves it in your face that she doesn't care what you think and instead is haughty. As a result, the use of similes helps the reader understand that the speaker is self-assertive with her ego and confident on how she carries