Feminism in Woman Hollering Creek
Sandra Cisneros explores the illusion of marriage and feminism in the media throughout her short story “Woman Hollering Creek.” Initially, Cisneros illustrates the struggle of Cleofilas, whose visions of marriage was forged by the presence of media in her life. She was misled by the media to believe that love and struggle coincide, and that a woman has a very specific, quiet place in the world. Thus, resulting in Cleofilas’ experience of misfortune and abuse in the hands of her husband because of the lack of equity women experience in her society. Ultimately, in very few words, Cisneros captures the difference between the stereotypical feminine characteristics and experiences that Cleofilas encounters and embodies versus the raw and bold impression Felice gives the reader, showing the power females can possess.
Before marriage Cleofilas thoughts were mostly filled with the hope of experiencing passion and romance. “The kind the books and songs and telenovelas describe when one finds, finally, the great love of one’s life, and does whatever one can, must do, at whatever the cost. (Cisneros, 220)” Cleofilas main focus was finding a man to love and experience life with. This was the focus set in the shows and books she read, where a woman was constantly in search of true love. There is no mention of school or any kind of professionalism in her desires because, as shown in media, only a man can provide for the woman. “A nice sterling ring to it. The tinkle of money. She would get to wear outfits like the mown on the tele, like Lucia Mendez. And have a lovely house and wouldn’t Cela be jealous. (Cisneros, 221)” Her ambitions were based off the portrayal of marriage in the media and the hopes that a man would provide for her so that she could gloat and flaunt her life. The manner in which media showcased the life of a married woman, pushed Cleofilas to assume she would be happy as long as she had a husband with money. She didn’t even care that she barely knew the man she was engaged to. “He has a very important position in Sequin with, with…a beer company, I think. Or was it tires? (Cisneros, 221)” Cleofilas was so wrapped up in her own desperate desires to “have it all” that she doesn’t pay attention to the small details. Her misjudgments lead her to live an unfortunate life, filled with confusion and pain. Since a young girl Cleofilas’ ambitions have clouded her judgement of reality and the expectations set on her by others.
In the beginning of the story the reader is presented with the feminine stereotypes Cleofilas portrayed. “… already did he divine the morning his daughter would raise her hand over her eyes, look south, and dream of returning to the chores the never ended, six good-for-nothing brothers, and one old man’s complaints. (Cisneros, 219)” It is evident that before she was even married Cleofilas played her part as a traditional feminine woman. She cleaned all day and, through her father’s eyes, was perceived as weak which is why her father prophesized that she would not last long in the real world. When Cleofilas marries Juan Pedro, she demonstrates the voice of femininity that she has lost. “…He slapped her once, and then again, and again, until the lip split and bled an orchid of blood, she didn’t fight back, she didn’t break into tears, she didn’t run away as she imagined she might …” Juan Pedro takes advantage of her by fiddling with her sympathetic manner and making her feel at fault for their marital problems. He presumed that since she was a woman, she would be sympathetic to him and would stay at nurture his ego. “This is the man I have waited my whole life for. Not that he isn’t a good man. (Cisneros, 223)” These excuses are a reflection of her character and the manipulation media has had on her judgement because it showed that, at the moment, she was still trying to find reason and happiness behind it all. “Because to suffer for love is good, The pain all sweet somehow. In the end. (Cisneros, 220)” She had it in mind that suffering was part of happiness and it made love stronger, though that concept was wrong and that the learned the hard way.
Cleofilas finally found her feminine voice towards the end of the story when she decided to play with her husband’s ego and escape. “We won’t make you ashamed. (Cisneros, 226)” She displayed courage when she came up with her plan to expose the truth at the doctor’s office and seek help. She knew that her husband would be difficult to encourage, so she used his ego against him to manipulate him to agree. After this she meets Felice, who was able to transform her idea of femininity. “Everything about this woman, this Felice, amazed Cleofilas. The fact that she drove a pick up. A pickup, mind you, but when Cleofilas asked if it was her husband’s, she said she didn’t have a husband. (Cisneros, 228)” Cleofilas was amazed at the success Felice was able to accomplish. She believed that in order to have success you need a successful man, but Felice and her fierce freedom, graciously, proved her wrong. Felice had control over her own life and Cleofilas was so surprised and encouraged by this that she took control over her own happiness at that moment. “It was gurgling out of her own throat, a long ribbon of laugher, like water. (Cisneros, 228)”
Throughout the story Cisneros captures Cleofilas as the weak and fragile woman society and media set her up to be. By following the desires and thoughts media implemented in her, she was taken advantage by her husband. Cisneros short story shows the issues and chaos the media brings when enlightening young women with false ideas of life and marriage. She also brings light to the power women have and can bring to each other.
Worked Cited
Cisneros, Sandra. Woman Hollering Creek. Bloomsbury, 2004.
