I think Dagoberto Gilb is trying to portray Nica as a “typical Mexcian women” because Nica stays home, takes care of the kids, and has to do the chores around the house. Nica’s parents are very strict with her and don’t let her have fun. Sonny tries to get her out of the house so she can enjoy herself, but because of the way she was raised, she doesn’t want to defy her parents. Nica is the “good girl” of the novel. Sonny likes her because Nica isn’t like the rest of the girls. She respects herself and doesn’t come off as “easy” like other female characters in the novel. She is innocent and just likes having good clean fun with Sonny. Nica enjoys hanging out with Sonny because he’s able to make her laugh and makes her forget about her reality. He brings her pizza and she feels comfortable enough to express how she is feeling to Sonny. Nica invites him to come babysit with her, but doesn’t want anyone to know. I think she feels guilty for having him over, but she just enjoys the time with him too much that she doesn’t worry as much.
I agree on your critique. I think you made a great Feminist Critique, because she is a like a house wife in this novel and fits the criteria Feminist Writers set for Female Characters. She's definitely the "Good Girl" and completely opposite of the "Femme Fatale" Cindy. Good Job!
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ReplyDeleteYes, she is the "Good Girl" and this is a great lead in to a Feminist Critic as you have touched on a very charged character from the Feminist perspective, especially because, as you have done such a great job of pointing out, there is a cultural link to why she is acting this way. A Feminist would ask: What about Nica? How about the fact that she is being yelled at about ironing and cooking even when her whole life is being devoted to caring for her little brother? And what is her future like if she is not in school now? If she can't speak the dominate language of the country she is living in, how will she support herself? Is it her choice to be "the good girl" and, if so, in making this choice is she relinquishing all of the power in her life? Overall, you have done an excellent job on your blog and I really appreciate you give us such great topics to think about. The answers to these questions are not easy and those difficult questions are the best to be thinking about as a college student! Good work Fernando.
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