What Is The Indirect Characterization Of Eleven By Sandra Cisneros

Almost everyone knows that five plus six equals eleven, but is an eleven year old the equivalent of a five year old plus a six year old? Sandra Cisneros seems to agree age is a sum of parts in her short story “Eleven”, as she describes the life of an eleven year old named Rachel. Cisneros characterizes Rachel as exemplifying qualities expected from ages younger than her. This characterization is accomplished through first person point-of-view, indirect characterization, and symbolism that conveys the trials and tribulations of childhood. Cisneros tells the entire story from the view of young Rachel, which allows the reader to delve into Rachel’s thoughts. These inner thoughts help immensely in understanding the situation with the red sweater

Rachel shows her childishness when she stammers out, “That’s not, I don’t, you’re not…Not mine.” I finally say in a little voice that was maybe me when I was four” (53-55). In this quotation, Rachel is too meek to stand up for what she believes in. The additional fear of an authority figure is also a trait commonly associated with young children. Rachel is further shown to contain the traits of a toddler when Cisneros writes, “I put my face down on the desk and bury my face in…my arms” (103-105). In exhibiting the weaker side of the fight-or-flight response, Rachel acts similarly to a toddler who hides behind their parents legs when a stranger arrives. Perhaps the greatest example of Rachel’s young age is when she says, “There’ll be candles and presents and everybody will sing Happy birthday…only it’s too late” (118-120). In this quotation, Rachel feels the after effects of a “tantrum”. Just like a child who has spent the last hour crying in their room and is now angry for the rest of the day, Rachel’s entire birthday is ruined, in her opinion, by one embarrassing event. Indirect characterization explains a lot about the character qualities of Rachel, but is it through symbolism that Cisneros conveys the true life of eleven year old

Although for Rachel, the red sweater is only one embarrassing moment, it symbolizes the many moments of discomfort in a child’s life as they begin to experience the world. Rachel perfectly expounds upon the discomfort of the event when she says, “I …stand there with my arms apart like if the sweater hurts me and it does, all itchy and full of germs that aren’t even mine” (95-99). This quotation conveys the concept that no child can bear feelings of public embarrassment, especially young Rachel. Another important symbol in the short story is that of the birthday party. Rachel states what the party symbolizes to her when she says, “There’s a cake Mama’s making for tonight and when Papa comes home from work we’ll eat it” (116-117). The party and birthday cake are meant to symbolize the way parents try to buy over babies who can’t stop crying. In Rachel’s case, this small comfort amidst a sea of discomfort offers little to no consolation. Yet another symbol that portrays Rachel’s life is Mrs. Price. Mrs. Price shows herself as a grotesque when Cisneros writes, “‘Of course it’s yours,’ Mrs. Price says. ‘ I remember you wearing it once.’ Because she’s older and the teacher, she’s right and I’m not” (56-58). This quotation shows Mrs. Price to resemble authority figures in a child’s life. Most often, children are taught that elders are always correct and