Sandra Cisneros’s “Only Daughter” Analysis

Sandra Cisneros’s short story “Only Daughter” describes the importance of parental love and recognition for children throughout their lives. The writer chose this direction for the story since the relationship between children and parents is central in people’s lives and, at the same time, is often complicated. The discussion of such a topic is significant and relevant for many readers and can help to understand themselves and their own families; therefore, I find the writer’s messages compelling. The author engagingly and briefly describes her path to a writing career and how it is influenced by one of the leading figures in her life – her father. As an only daughter with six brothers in an American-Mexican family, she was underrated and wanted more love and faith from her parents. Details about the writer’s native culture and her father’s character are woven into her story. On the one hand, the parental and cultural impact became a challenge to the author. For example, Cisneros did not receive support in her desire for independence and felt lonely in a family where she was the only daughter. On the other hand, life circumstances have made the writer who she is – Cisneros admits everything she wrote was for her father. A structure alternating these issues and smooth transitions between themes help to understand Cisneros better and hold the reader’s attention. The writer uses several literary devices: bilingualism to emphasize the connection with Mexican culture and hyperbole to describe emotions, for example, when she expected her father to give feedback about her story. Cisneros follows a descriptive style providing details about the relationship with her father, and her tone is informal and sad. However, the end of the narrative is positive and gives hope that the father will be proud of his only daughter. The story, its construction, the ability to engage, and the inspiring ending demonstrate the author’s skill. The text contains several lessons that I can use in life. Cisneros remained persistent and achieved her dream: she became a writer, and her father acknowledged his daughter’s achievements. While it has long been known that effort is rewarded, real examples help me believe it. Cisneros’s story teaches readers not to despair, to strive for their goals, and invest efforts in what seems right. Thus, “Only Daughter” is a short, fascinating, and masterfully written story that inspires people to achieve their dreams.