English 2600

It's fascinating to consider Esperanza's relationship with her sister, Magdalena. Their relationship seems indicative of the speakers relationship with her gender.

In the initial section, Esperanza is expressing her frustration with the way her brothers act toward her, circumscribing her ability to have friendships outside of her gender, and pointing to her sister as her best friend. She rejects this, feeling instead that her sister (read: gender) is a responsibility, a burden.

Futher in the section about hips, Nanny warns that if you don't grow hips, you could turn into a man. But, interestingly, Esperanza steps in, backing up her sister. She explains "She is stupid alright, but she is my sister." She may dislike her gender, but she's not willing to have the devalued.