Both stories are similar because they explore the theme of personal identity. Kingston's "No Name Woman" explores the narrator's efforts to connect her American identity with her Chinese identity. Similarly, Cisneros' “Woman Hollering Creek” explores how Cleófilas' Chicana identity influences her marriage and relationship. Therefore, the protagonists of both stories are women and struggle to reconcile two different cultures. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayIn "No Name Woman," Maxine Hong Kingston searches for personal identity by exploring her aunt's narrative that also makes the title of the first chapter. Kingston's mother warns her that “You must not tell anyone…she was never born” (Kingston1507). However, Kingston ignores his mother's warnings and explores his Chinese cultural background which he intends to reconcile with his current American identity. Through listening to and modifying the stories shared by his mother about the connection between his family and Chinese culture, Kingston is able to discover the meaning of Chinese cultural history. Kingston refers to historical fiction as “conversation tales” that were primarily culturally anchored and also served as oral tales whose primary purpose is rather didactic (Kingston 1507). We later learn that Kingston's mother is named Brave Orchid. “No Name Woman” offers Kingston a valuable opportunity to explore its cultural history in depth. “Woman Hollering Creek” by Sandra Cisneros examines issues of Mexican-American or Chicano identity, gender politics and immigration. Therefore, the story is closely related to “No Name Woman”. A young woman, Cleófilas Enrqueta DeLeón Hernández, is struggling to escape an abusive marriage. His father gives Juan Pedro permission to marry Cleófilas and cross the border into America with her. The young woman leaves her entire life in search of passion: "But what Cleófilas waited for, whispered, sighed and giggled..." (Cisneros 1588). Remember: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Cleófilas' background shows that she had little to do in her hometown and that she mostly enjoyed "telenovelas" and aspired to take on the likes of the female superstars featured in the series. The young woman copied her makeup, hairstyle, and even modified her wedding dress to resemble the superstars she had seen in her hometown (Cisneros 1589). Cisneros has extensively explored Chicano women who have been sincere enough to resist unacceptable behavior both in their own cultures and in other cultures. Simply put, both women in the two narratives attempt to reconcile their current American identity with their ancestral identities..
tags