“The Family of Little Feet”
The vignette involves Lucy, Esperanza, and Rachel who are given some old shoes by a neighbor with small feet. The old shoes may be insignificant but were a big heaven for the three girls. The old pair of heels overjoys them, makes them get attention from men thus despising other girls. People tried to warn the girls about wearing the heels but the attention and attractiveness they got from them could not let them quit. The author included the chapter to show the importance of change and demonstrate the theme of sexuality. The old shoes in the story are a symbol of sexuality, where the real character of men is revealed. Men, who dominate the society, view women as sexual objects. In addition, they seem to have more social and physical ability or power over women. For instance, a drunkard offers to pay Rachel a dollar for a kiss. She is also threatened by a man as illustrated by the quote, "Them are dangerous that take their shoes off before I call the cops" (Cisneros, 50). From the incidences, it is depicted that sexuality causes violence and social discrimination. It shows that the little girls could discard their sexuality as the woman did to the shoes but would later regret their decisions as they grew up. The story also demonstrates dangers that young girls face as they approach adolescence in a male-dominated community and where girls are carried away by their beauty and attractiveness among men.
Characterization
Sally
Sally was included in the story because she was mature and desired by boys. She acts as the role model that Esperanza adores most due to her beauty. Esperanza's motive of becoming her friend is to help her unleash the inner desires of boys. She tries to emulate Sally’s sexual life until when she learns later that she tries too hard on things that are not for her age. Sally had run away from her abusive father and later got married (Cisneros 56).
Mama
She is Esperanza's mother, who grew up in the United States. Her role in the story is to demonstrate the place of women in the society. Women are supposed to bring up and guide their children, which she does, but does not bring any impact to her daughter's life at all. She comforts her daughter when lonely to guide her behavior.
The ending of the story is done skillfully to leave the readers curious of Esperanza's life. She has changed since the beginning of the story and the ending seems to be open-ended. Readers are left thinking that she will become successful in life. However, they are left curious about her future.
Themes
Struggle for personal definition or realization
Sexuality
The theme is demonstrated in the passage "The Family of Little Feet." The desires of Esperanza to have boys around her like Sally did demonstrates the element of sexuality. Her motive is to define her beauty and cruelty. She says, "In the movies, there is always one with red lips who is beautiful and cruel. She is the one who drives the men crazy and laughs them all away. Her power is her own. She will not give it away” (Cisneros 51). Additionally, women are perceived as sexual instruments in the society like the three girls with heels were perceived.
Work cited
Cisneros, Sandra. The house on Mango Street. Vintage, 2013.
