Gustavo Cruz

Mrs. Tan
A.P Literature
7 September 2014
Sally
The use of literary devices such as similes, rhetorical questions, and symbols convey
Esperanzas admiration for Sally but also show the disrespect she has toward her. Esperanzas
oppression in the Hispanic culture has led her to believe that she needs sallys traits, which will
allow her to overcome this oppression. Esperanza admires sallys strength and independence but
does not respect her actions.
Similes such as, Sally is the girl with eyes like Egypt and nylons the color of smoke
give the reader a deeper understanding of Esperanzas conflicting views. Esperanza expresses
her appreciation for Sallys beauty but points out how dangerous and sensual Sally behaves,
bringing to light the conflicting views she has toward her. Esperanza expands on Sallys negative
attributes by comparing her hair to raven feathers, a dark colored bird which brings evil and
death. Esperanza does not approve of Sallys actions but still wants Sallys ability, the ability to
fly away, which leads Esperanza to project herself unto Sally, as expressed by the rhetorical
questions she sets.
Esperanzas projection unto Sally is seen in the questions she poses, such as, Do you
wish your feet would one day keep walking and take you far away from Mango Street this
question is an obvious reference to her own want of leaving Mango street but the question is
made to Sally, due to the strength Sally has, a strength which can be used to escape Mango
Street. Esperanzas projection strengthens her admiration for Sally but also leads Esperanza to
overlook the fact that Sallys action are self-destructive, yet Esperanza acknowledges these
actions by the alliterations she uses.

Throughout the vignette Esperanza constantly repeats the word you, in reference to
Sally, she wants Sally to negate the accusations made about. Esperanzas desperate tone only
adds to the validity of the accusations made about Sally. This leads to Esperanzas
acknowledgement of the truth which in turn leads to her disregard for Sallys actions.
Esperanzas new found truth creates the conflicting views which she has toward Sally. Esperanza
wants to have Sallys strength but refuses to accept Sallys damaging way of life.
Esperanzas inability to escape the oppression brought on by her Hispanic culture lead
her to want Sallys strength and independence. Nevertheless, Esperanza does not respect Sallys
self-destructive actions and due to her projection unto Sally, Esperanza chooses to dismiss
Sallys actions as lies. Esperanza quickly realizes the underlying truth of Sallys actions which
then lead her to disrespect Sally, creating Esperanzas conflicting emotions toward Sally.