The Art of Identity Crafting in "My Mother Pieced Quilts"

Categories: My Mother

The intricate process of forming an identity mirrors the meticulous creation of a quilt, where diverse threads weave together to create a unique and enduring masterpiece. Teresa Palomo Acosta explores this metaphor in her poignant poem, "My Mother Pieced Quilts." The mother, as the artisan of identity, navigates the delicate task of selecting, quilting, and releasing, giving life to a singular and everlasting identity.

Selecting the Threads: Characteristics and Personalities

At the inception of the identity-forming journey, the mother faces the critical task of selecting the threads that will shape her child's quilt.

The poem illustrates this process as the mother "[. . .] shaped patterns square and oblong and round / positioned / balanced" (13-15). Here, each shape symbolizes a distinct aspect of a child's identity, a unique characteristic or personality trait.

Not only does the mother deliberate over shapes, but she also contemplates the colors of each piece: "whether to put the lilac purple of easter against the red plaid of winter-going- / into-spring / whether to mix a yellow with blue and white [.

Get quality help now
Dr. Karlyna PhD
Dr. Karlyna PhD
checked Verified writer

Proficient in: My Mother

star star star star 4.7 (235)

“ Amazing writer! I am really satisfied with her work. An excellent price as well. ”

avatar avatar avatar
+84 relevant experts are online
Hire writer

. .]" (31-33). The colors represent the myriad personalities that will compose the child's identity. The mother, akin to an artist with a palette, must make choices that harmonize and create a cohesive whole. This mirrors the complex decision-making involved in crafting a child's identity, where diverse traits are chosen and blended to form a unified and vibrant whole.

Quilting the Identity: The Art of Shaping

Having chosen the threads, the mother embarks on the meticulous process of quilting—the act of shaping and molding the identity.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

The blank canvas, described as "[. . .] stalking out the plan:" (30), symbolizes the potentiality of the child. The mother, with skill and dedication, "stretched and turned and re-arranged" (23) each piece, ensuring a perfect fit within the canvas.

As the quilt takes form, so does the child's identity. The mother's careful craftsmanship mirrors the nuanced process of identity formation. It is not a haphazard arrangement but a deliberate and thoughtful composition. The child, like the quilt, becomes a canvas filled with carefully selected traits and characteristics, forming a unique and cohesive identity.

Releasing the Identity: The Everlasting Legacy

Once the quilt is complete, the mother's work transcends the immediate moment. The quilted identity becomes an integral part of the individual, enduring beyond the crafting process. The poem expresses this continuity as it states, "[. . .] every morning [one awakes] to these" (5). The identity, woven and "knotted with love" (54) by the mother, takes on a life of its own, singing into the future.

The personification of the quilt's singing aligns with the enduring nature of a person's identity. It is not a static creation but a dynamic force that resonates through time. The crafted identity, having absorbed the mother's love and care, lives on in the individual, contributing to an ongoing narrative. It becomes a testament to the mother's artistry and the individual's resilience in the face of the future.

Conclusion: An Ever-Repeating Cycle

In conclusion, "My Mother Pieced Quilts" encapsulates the profound artistry involved in forming a singular identity. The mother's role as the weaver of threads, the shaper of the quilt, and the architect of an enduring legacy mirrors the intricate process of identity crafting. The poem not only captures a moment in time but also hints at the cyclical nature of identity formation, as the crafted identity becomes a source for future creations.

author
Written by Liam Williams
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
Keep in mind: this is only a sample!
Updated: Jan 18, 2024
Cite this page

The Art of Identity Crafting in "My Mother Pieced Quilts". (2016, Jun 28). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/meaning-of-teresa-palomo-acostas-my-mother-pieced-quilts-essay

The Art of Identity Crafting in "My Mother Pieced Quilts" essay
Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment