"Those Who Don't" Literary Analysis

"Those Who Don't" Analysis

• Alliteration emphasizes the fear outsiders have when the narrator uses "knee go shakity-shake"
• Imagery is created when the narrator says, "we will attack them with shiny knives," painting a vivid picture of fear.
• A metaphor implies safety in familiarity when the narrator states, "All brown all around, we are safe."
• The narrator uses hyperbole when speaking about "stupid people who are lost and got here by mistake," exaggerating the ignorance of outsiders.
• The tone is defensive and sarcastic, as the narrator expresses frustration with others' misconceptions about their community, showing pride in their identity.
• Hyperbole emphasizes the fear that outsiders have of the neighborhood when the narrator says, "They think we will attack them with shiny knives."
• Safety is tied to their racial and cultural identity when the narrator uses the overstatement, "All brown all around, we are safe."
• A playful simile is shown is used to describe the fear felt when entering a different neighborhood; "Our knees go shakity-shake"
• The repetition of the "w" sound conveys an awareness of racial dynamics, "Watch us drive into a neighborhood of another color..."
• The car has agency, indicating the instinctive reaction to fear, "Our car windows get rolled up tight."
• The narrator displays a sense of pride and community among people of their neighborhood despite the fear and misconceptions held by outsiders, being defiant and confident.
• Cisneros addresses themes of racial prejudice and fear while highlighting the differences in perception based on color, being reflective and critical.

"The Family of Little Feet" Analysis

• "His feet were fat and doughy like thick tamales" creates a tactile image
• A simile is used when the narrator says, "like a double-dutch rope," comparing their legs to a playful, rhythmic activity
• Personification gives life to the shoes, suggesting they have character or personality, "the shoes talk back to you with every step".
• The tone is playful and nostalgic, as the narrator reflects on childhood innocence and the joy of discovering one's body and identity through the metaphor of shoes.
• The size and shape are exaggerated for effect and evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity in "Their feet were fat and doughy like thick tamales."
• A sensory image is evoked to convey affection towards the grandfather in the simile, "His feet were fat and doughy like thick tamales."
• The repetition of "t" creates a playful tone when talking about, "The baby's feet had ten tiny toes…"
• Descriptions of the legs and feet invoke vivid imagery of childhood innocence and playfulness
• The narrator reflects on the fun and joy of childhood activities with child-like wonder and innocence.
• Cisneros depicts the simplicity of childhood and family life with nostalgia and tenderness.

"Girl Furniture" Analysis

• "A wood box that's old and got a big brass record in it" evokes a specific picture of an antique music box
• The music creates a magical atmosphere using the metaphor, "like all of a sudden he let go a million moths all over the dusty furniture".
• The music box symbolizes the beauty and complexity of memories and experiences.
• The tone is curious and slightly wistful, as the narrator conveys a sense of wonder about the old man's shop and the hidden treasures within.
• The narrator implies that the gems of life are often overlooked, "You could be in a long time before your eyes notice a pair of gold…"
• The feeling of being mesmerized or entranced by the music box is conveyed using the simile “It’s like drops of water”
• The sound repetition in "dirt," "down," and "box" connects phrases sonically with “…dirt window for light.”
• The narrator reflects a sense of wonder when encountering the junk store and its treasures with a curious and observant tone.
• Cisneros captures the essence of childhood exploration and discovery within a mundane setting with a melancholic and vivid tone.

"A Smart Cookie" Analysis

• "Velvety lungs powerful as morning glories" creates a vivid image of the mother’s voice
• The narrator reflects missed opportunities and aspirations in the metaphor, "I could've been somebody".
• The subway train symbolizes the confusion and struggles of navigating life.
• The tone is wistful and somewhat regretful, as the narrator's mother reflects on her own life choices, conveying a sense of longing for what could have been.

"Sally" Analysis

• "Eyes like Egypt and nylons the color of smoke" creates vivid visual representations.
• Sally’s hair is compared to shiny black feathers in the simile, "like raven feathers".
• Sally’s beauty and her father’s strictness symbolize the conflict between freedom and cultural expectations.
• The tone is both admiring and sympathetic, as the narrator admires Sally's beauty while also recognizing the constraints placed on her by her family and society.

"Linoleum Roses" Analysis

• "Marshmallow salesman" creates a whimsical image of a vendor
• Sally's marriage symbolizes both escape and entrapment, reflecting the complexities of female identity.
• The rush into adulthood is exaggerated, "young and not ready but married just the same".
• The tone is both critical and resigned, as the narrator reflects on the reality of marriage and the circumstances that lead to it, conveying a sense of inevitability and disappointment.

"The House on Mango Street" Analysis

• The house is described using imagery as "small and red with tight steps in front and windows so small you'd think they were holding their breath," creating a vivid, almost suffocating picture.
• The desire for stability and belonging is symbolized in the metaphor, "I knew then I had to have a house. A real house".
• The house itself represents dreams versus reality, and the struggle for a sense of home.
• The tone is reflective and somewhat melancholic, as the narrator expresses disappointment in their living situation while also conveying a deep longing for a place that feels like home.

Summary

• Cisneros employs figurative language such as imagery, metaphor, simile, and symbolism to convey themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of growing up in a marginalized community
• The tone throughout varies from defensive to nostalgic, playful to wistful, reflecting the multifaceted experiences of the characters and their environments.
• The narrative voice is often introspective, allowing readers to connect deeply with the struggles and aspirations of the characters.
• Figurative language—similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and alliteration—enhances characterization and establishes an emotional connection with the readers
• Readers gain insight into the lives of characters on Mango Street, their struggles, and how they perceive themselves and the world around them
• Cisneros’s masterful use of language captures the complexity of their experiences while maintaining a relatable and engaging narrative style.