QUESTION IMAGE
Question
name
date
english 10
block 1
\only daughter\ by sandra cisneros
before reading
during the 1960s, many people began reexamining the role of women both at home and in society. since then, ideas about the proper roles of males and females have changed dramatically.
what are your thoughts about the roles of males and females today? discuss gender roles at home, at school, in the workplace, or in the community. be prepared to share.
during reading
- according to cisneros, what is the difference between being \the only daughter\ and \only a daughter\?
- what is cisneross conflict with her father? support your response.
- describe cisneross tone toward her father and his reading habits. support your response.
- how is the conflict between adult cisneros and her father resolved? support your response.
after reading
- what theme about gender roles is cisneros trying to convey to readers by using her relationship with her father? support your response.
To answer these questions about "Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros, we analyze the text and use literary analysis (subfield of Arts - Literature) to interpret the author's ideas, tone, and themes:
Question 1: Difference between "the only daughter" and "only a daughter"
- "The only daughter" emphasizes being the sole female child, with a unique identity. It suggests a sense of individuality and the potential for a distinct role within the family.
- "Only a daughter" implies a more dismissive or devalued perception, as if being a daughter (especially the only one) is seen as less significant or valuable, perhaps in contrast to having a son or fulfilling certain traditional gender expectations. Cisneros likely explores how this perception impacts her and her father's view of her.
- Cisneros’ father views her as only a daughter, expecting her to eventually marry and leave the family, rather than seeing her potential as a writer or a person with her own career aspirations. He doesn't value her literary pursuits, and this clash between her desire to be recognized for her writing and his traditional expectations (focused on marriage and traditional female roles) creates the conflict. For example, he may not support her education or career in writing, seeing it as unimportant for a daughter.
- Her tone is a mix of affection and frustration. She affectionately describes his love for reading (e.g., his engagement with books), but is frustrated by his failure to recognize her writing or see her as more than a daughter. For instance, she may recount how he reads many books but overlooks her work, showing a tone that balances warmth for his passion with disappointment at his lack of recognition for her.
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"The only daughter" conveys a unique familial position, while "only a daughter" suggests a devalued or less significant role, reflecting differing perceptions of her as a female child.