Sandra CisnerosSandra CisnerosDecember 20, 1954 - present

Sandra CisnerosSandra CisnerosWashington PostWashington Post, August 23, 2003, August 23, 2003

"As a poet, I'm especially sensitive to the power a word has. It's not a word, it's a way of looking at the world. It's a way of looking at meaning."

ChildhoodChildhood

Born in Chicago, IllinoisPadre was Mexican and Madre was

Mexican - American“Seis hijos y una hija” not “siete hijos”Constantly traveled between Chicago,

Texas, and MexicoCatholic upbringing

AdulthoodAdulthood

Earned her B.A. at Loyola University in InglesEarned her M.F.A. at University of Iowa in

Creative WritingMoved to Texas and became a teacher and

counselor.Cisneros never married.

Major WorksMajor Works

Bad BoysCarmelo Hairs = PelitosLoose Woman My Wicked, Wicked WaysThe House on Mango StreetVintage CisnerosWomen Hollering Creek and Other Stories

SummarySummary

The story starts out with Cleofilas looking back and remembering what her padre told her when he said, “I am your father, I will never abandon you.”

Throughout the story Cleofilas was curious on why the creek behind her casa was named La Gritona (Woman Hollering).

Cleofilas was in an abusive relationship, and she had to try and “remind herself” regularly on why she loved him. However, at the end of the story she told her doctora she needed help and was taken back home to her padre.

AnalysisAnalysis

In Cisneros’, “Woman Hollering Creek,” there are two key literary teachings:

1. Her syntax when she describes what Cleofilas is thinking about her esposo. She purposely uses along carry-on sentences to emphasize how unhappy Cleofilas is.o Example: On the bottom of page 3167 where she

writes, “Or wonder a little when he kicks the refrigerator…”

Analysis (cont.)Analysis (cont.)

2. Cisneros also used symbolism throughout the story. The creek in the story is unfamiliar and scary, as

well as Cleofilas life without her husband. Therefore, the creek in the story is symbolic for Cleofilas life without her husband.o Example: The last two sentences in the story is,

“Then Felice began laughing again, but it wasn’t Felice laughing. It was gurgling out her own throat, a long ribbon of laughter, like water.”

ThemeTheme

Sometimes the best way to achieve happiness is by overcoming your fears and by choosing a new path to walk on.

What is Cisneros’ doing now?What is Cisneros’ doing now?

Sandra Cisneros “is currently working on an illustrated children’s book, an illustrated

book for adults, and a book of essays.”

Pregunta 1Pregunta 1

What Country was Sandra Cisneros born in?

Pregunta 2Pregunta 2

What is Cisneros's heritage, which is represented in

many of her stories?

Pregunta 3Pregunta 3

Where did Cisneros's receive her Bachelor’s degree?

Pregunta 4Pregunta 4

What is Cisneros’s husbands name?

Pregunta 5Pregunta 5

Name one of Cisneros's other well know works.

Pregunta 6Pregunta 6

In the beginning of the story, what did Cleofilas father tell

her?

Pregunta 7Pregunta 7

What does “La Gritona” mean in English?

Pregunta 8Pregunta 8

Who takes Cleofilas back to Mexico?

Pregunta 9Pregunta 9

Throughout the story, Cleofilas was curious why the creek behind her

house was name “Woman Hollering”. What did she begin to think “La Gritona” actually meant?

Pregunta 10Pregunta 10

Cleofilas was upset with her husband because he had

thrown a book at her. What was special about that

book?