Expectations and Cisneros

Question :

In “Only Daughter” by Sandra Cisneros discuss the conflict between her father’s expectations and Cisneros’ own interests and goals.

Answer :

Her father wanted her to be a good housewife whereas she was intended to be a writer. For example, whenever she stated that she would go to college, her brother laughed at her. Her father always said that he had seven sons. She said that her father always undervalued her because of the stereotype of society. Her father thought that she should marry and have her own house. But Cisneros wanted to pursue her career and be a writer. Her interest was to go to art museums, art exhibitions, and concerts. But her interest was not supported by her father.

The major difference between the expectations of my family and Cisneros' family expectation is that my family never undervalue a girl or underestimate her ability to do something but Cisneros' family expectation was not so. They always undervalued the only girl. Her father wanted her to marry and have her own house rather than pursuing her own interest and goals. For example, my family believes in providing all opportunities to a girl child that is being provided to a boy child within the family.

Conclusion 

The story tells the challenges of a girl who grew up in a family of 9 in which she was the only girl. Her father had a different opinion about her. Her brothers had more rights compared to her. According to her father, she should marry soon and be a good housewife. My family expectation is different than the family expectation of Cisneros. 

Work Cited

Ganz, Robin. "Sandra Cisneros: border crossings and beyond." Melus 19.1 (1994): 19-29.