Exploring the Complex Layers of Growing Up in Sandra Cisneros's "Eleven"

Introduction

Poet Maya Angelou once eloquently stated, "I am convinced that most people do not grow up... We carry an accumulation of years in our bodies, and on our faces, but generally our real selves, the children inside, are innocent and shy as magnolias." Sandra Cisneros's short story, "Eleven," artfully captures the intricate and often perplexing journey of growing up through the lens of an eleven-year-old protagonist, Rachel. The narrative unravels the complexities of the aging process, illustrating how it does not erase one's past but rather layers it, creating a nuanced portrait of one's complete existence.

Rachel's Maturation: Similes, Repetition, and Imagery

Within the tapestry of "Eleven," Cisneros employs literary devices with finesse to vividly portray Rachel's development. The strategic use of similes provides readers with poignant images: "Growing old is kind of like an onion or like the rings inside a tree trunk or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other." This imagery elucidates how each year of Rachel's life builds upon the previous one, emphasizing that she retains aspects of her younger selves.

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She is the quiet four-year-old struggling to express herself and the three-year-old on the brink of tears when confronted with an undesirable red sweater.

The narrative's repetition of critical phrases, such as counting backward from ten, a common juvenile chant, reinforces the notion that Rachel's past ten years persist within her. This repetition symbolizes Rachel's internal conflict, caught between embracing her eleventh year and clinging to the remnants of her childhood.

The seemingly juvenile behavior, characterized by phrases like "not mine," highlights Rachel's struggle and serves as a reminder that she is a culmination of her prior years.

The brilliant use of imagery further contributes to the nuanced depiction of Rachel. Descriptions like "face all hot and spit coming out of my mouth because I can't stop making those little animal noises, my whole head hurts like when you drink milk too fast" create a vivid portrait of a distressed Rachel, allowing readers to engage their senses and empathize with her emotional turmoil.

Symbols and Diction: The Red Sweater and Childlike Speech

Central to the narrative is the red sweater, a symbolic representation of Rachel's past. Described as "ugly" with sleeves stretched out "like you could use it as a jump-rope" and emitting a scent "like cottage cheese," the sweater becomes a metaphor for the years lingering within Rachel. Its repulsive nature symbolizes the less sophisticated joys of childhood, vividly depicted through the stretched-out sleeves resembling a jump-rope. The cottage cheese stench further adds a layer of sensory detail, recalling the peculiar scents associated with younger years.

Furthermore, the age of eleven emerges as a powerful symbol throughout the narrative, representing the challenging and often frustrating phase between adolescence and childhood. Rachel finds herself caught between the maturity of her eleventh year and the lingering immaturity of her previous selves. This internal struggle is exemplified when her eleven-year-old mind recognizes the injustice of Mrs. Price's actions, yet her four-year-old self stutters in ineffective denial.

The deliberate choice of diction contributes significantly to Rachel's characterization. Cisneros employs simple speech, reminiscent of a young girl's language. Run-on sentences and childlike phrases such as "not mine," "tippy-tip," "all itchy," and "that stupid Phyllis Lopez" create a narrative voice that authentically reflects Rachel's perspective. The intentional use of simplistic language serves to emphasize Rachel's internal conflict, underscoring her desire to be "one hundred and two," a classic instance of childish exaggeration.

Expressions like "stupid Phyllis Lopez" add depth to Rachel's character, highlighting her frustration and helplessness in the face of Mrs. Price's actions. The use of childlike phrases allows readers to experience the narrative from the perspective of an eleven-year-old, emphasizing the emotional impact of the events on Rachel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sandra Cisneros's "Eleven" provides a poignant exploration of the multifaceted layers of growing up, skillfully depicted through the character of Rachel. Literary devices, including similes, repetition, imagery, symbols, and diction, collaboratively contribute to the nuanced portrayal of Rachel's internal conflict as she navigates the challenging transition into adolescence. The red sweater and the age of eleven emerge as powerful symbols, encapsulating the universal struggles faced by individuals on the brink of maturity. Cisneros's storytelling prowess and insightful use of language make "Eleven" a timeless reflection on the complexities of the human journey through the tender age of eleven.