The Ony Daughter

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Dec 6, 2023

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Pamela Luella Whitney NSHEID: 2002290495 November 21, 2023 Rhetorical Analysis of The Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros Introduction: "The Only Daughter" is a personal essay written by Sandra Cisneros. The essay explores Cisneros' experience as the only daughter in a Mexican-American family of six sons. By analyzing the author's background, purpose, rhetorical strategies, language, organization, and visuals used in the text, we can better understand the essay's rhetorical effectiveness. Author and Background: Sandra Cisneros is a Mexican-American writer known for exploring themes of identity, culture, and gender. She was born in Chicago in 1954 and grew up in a predominantly Mexican- American neighborhood. Cisneros' background as a woman from a Mexican-American family provides her with a unique perspective that influences her writing. In "The Only Daughter," Cisneros draws upon her own experiences to delve into her challenges and expectations as the only daughter in a family of sons. Origin and Publication: "The Only Daughter" was initially published in 1984 in "The Latin Deli: Prose and Poetry," a Cisneros work collection. The collection was published by Third Woman Press, an independent feminist press dedicated to promoting literature by women and giving voice to marginalized communities. Third Woman Press aligns with feminist and social justice movements, making it an essential venue for Cisneros to share her experiences as a Mexican-American woman. Audience: The primary audience for "The Only Daughter" is likely individuals who have experienced cultural and gender expectations within their families. The audience of "Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros is primarily readers interested in literature, gender studies, cultural studies, and memoirs. The essay aims to share Cisneros' experiences as the only daughter in a Mexican- American family to explore themes of identity, culture, gender roles, and societal expectations. In "Only Daughter," Cisneros narrates her journey as a writer and reflects on how her upbringing shaped her sense of self. As the only daughter in a family of six sons, Cisneros felt compelled to prove herself and seek recognition from her traditional Mexican-American father. She shares the expectations placed upon her and her pursuit of education, which was a means to escape patriarchal constraints and assert her individuality.

Pamela Luella Whitney NSHEID: 2002290495 November 21, 2023 Purpose: Through "The Only Daughter," Sandra Cisneros aims to bring light on the challenges faced by women in Mexican-American families. She explores the expectations placed on her as the only daughter and how this impacted her pursuit of education and writing. Cisneros also seeks to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for the importance of women's voices and experiences. One of the primary purposes of the essay is to depict the challenges Cisneros faced growing up in an environment where her aspirations as a writer were not immediately understood or valued. Through her anecdotes, she delves into the clashes between her desires for self- expression and her family's expectations for her to prioritize homemaking and motherhood. The essay conveys her drive to reconcile her passions with societal norms and family dynamics. Moreover, Cisneros examines the role of cultural identity in her life. Being a Mexican-American, she grapples with the pressures to assimilate into mainstream American culture while also preserving her Mexican heritage. She highlights the conflicts between her desire to embrace her cultural roots and the pressures to conform to dominant societal norms within her family and the broader society. By recounting her experiences of feeling isolated growing up as the only daughter, Cisneros aims to shed light on the struggles of women who face similar challenges. She uses her own story to address more significant issues of gender inequality, the limited roles assigned to women, and the importance of pursuing personal dreams and aspirations. Rhetorical Strategies and Appeals: In "Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros, the author employs various rhetorical strategies and appeals to convey her message and engage the readers effectively. These include the use of pathos, ethos, and logos. 1. Pathos: Cisneros appeals to the readers' emotions and creates a sense of empathy through her personal and heartfelt storytelling. She shares her feelings of isolation and the yearning for validation from her traditional Mexican-American father. By revealing her vulnerability and the internal conflicts she experienced, Cisneros elicits an emotional response from the readers and helps them connect with her narrative. 2. Ethos: Cisneros establishes her credibility and authority as a writer and a voice for women's experiences through her personal experiences and reflections. She reflects on her journey as a writer and her struggles while pursuing her passion. By sharing her own story, she positions herself as a reliable narrator with firsthand knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. 3. Logos: While "Only Daughter" primarily relies on personal anecdotes and experiences, Cisneros also incorporates logical reasoning to support her arguments. She discusses the

Pamela Luella Whitney NSHEID: 2002290495 November 21, 2023 societal expectations placed upon women and the cultural clashes she encountered as a Mexican-American. Through these reflections, she prompts the readers to question and critically evaluate the limitations and constraints dictated by societal norms and traditional gender roles. Additionally, Cisneros uses vivid imagery, descriptive language, and occasional humor to engage the readers and make her narrative more relatable. She appeals to the senses, allowing readers to imagine the scenarios and emotions she depicts. These rhetorical strategies create a compelling and persuasive argument while maintaining a personal and authentic tone throughout the essay. Cisneros employs pathos, ethos, and logos in "Only Daughter" to connect with readers emotionally, establish her credibility, and present logical reasoning. These strategies work in tandem to engage the audience, provoke thought, and ultimately convey her message about identity, cultural expectations, and the pursuit of personal aspirations. Language and Tone: The language used in "The Only Daughter" is descriptive and evocative. Cisneros utilizes a reflective and personal tone throughout "Only Daughter." Her language is accessible and engaging, incorporating vivid imagery, emotionally loaded words, and occasional humor. The essay balances formality and intimacy, making the content relatable to many readers. By tailoring her language, Cisneros connects with her intended audience and invites them to empathize with her experiences. For example, she describes the importance of her writing as a "gimmick" used to gain her father's attention, highlighting her desire for validation and recognition. Her tone oscillates between nostalgia, frustration, and determination, reflecting the complex emotions associated with familial and cultural expectations. Organization and Structure: Cisneros employs a chronological organization to present her experiences and reflections. The essay begins with Cisneros' childhood and progresses into adulthood, detailing her educational pursuits and eventual acceptance as a writer. The essay's central claim can be found in the introduction, where Cisneros mentions being the only daughter in a family of six sons. The conclusion briefly reflects on her journey and the importance of embracing her identity as a Mexican-American writer. The organization effectively supports the author's purpose and engages the audience by providing a narrative structure. Visuals and Genre: As a personal essay, "The Only Daughter" does not incorporate visual elements such as pictures or images. Instead, Cisneros relies on her descriptive language and storytelling skills to create imagery and engage the reader's imagination. "The Only Daughter" falls under the genre of a personal essay. It follows the conventions of this

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Pamela Luella Whitney NSHEID: 2002290495 November 21, 2023 genre by incorporating the author's personal experiences, reflections, and emotions. The essay effectively combines narrative storytelling with the author's analysis of her experiences, challenging traditional gender roles and cultural expectations. Conclusion: "The Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros is a powerful personal essay that sheds light on the challenges faced by women in Mexican-American families. Using rhetorical strategies, vivid language, and personal anecdotes, Cisneros effectively appeals to the audience's emotions and authority. By reflecting on her experiences, Cisneros successfully conveys her message about embracing one's identity and challenging societal expectations. Overall, the essay is a compelling testament to the complexities of family dynamics, gender roles, and cultural identity. Ultimately, "Only Daughter" is a reflective piece examining the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and societal expectations. It captures Cisneros' determination to carve out her path as a writer, defy gender roles and cultural norms, and assert her individuality. Through her compelling narrative, Cisneros offers insights and prompts readers to contemplate their journeys of self- discovery, their limitations, and the transformative power of pursuing one's passion.