Because I didn’t have nice clothes” (Cisneros 91). Although Esperanza’s mother was intelligent and had a chance to succeed in her education and future profession, she ignored her options because she thought it was more important to have nice clothes. She didn’t want to be placed in a position where she felt that her clothing did not accurately represent who she was, and her self-esteem suffered as a result, which is very similar to the position in which Esperanza finds herself. The fact that Esperanza’s own mother shares the same values highlights the importance of materialism in Esperanza’s life. As Esperanza realizes that she may not have clothes that are “nice” enough for school, she is being exposed to an adult influence that adds to and supports these ideas. This exposure will help to further cement the ideas of materialism as self-worth and continue to degrade Esperanza’s self-worth until she achieves perfection in her outer
Because I didn’t have nice clothes” (Cisneros 91). Although Esperanza’s mother was intelligent and had a chance to succeed in her education and future profession, she ignored her options because she thought it was more important to have nice clothes. She didn’t want to be placed in a position where she felt that her clothing did not accurately represent who she was, and her self-esteem suffered as a result, which is very similar to the position in which Esperanza finds herself. The fact that Esperanza’s own mother shares the same values highlights the importance of materialism in Esperanza’s life. As Esperanza realizes that she may not have clothes that are “nice” enough for school, she is being exposed to an adult influence that adds to and supports these ideas. This exposure will help to further cement the ideas of materialism as self-worth and continue to degrade Esperanza’s self-worth until she achieves perfection in her outer