Woman Hollering Creek
Describe symbolism in Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros
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Cisneros employs much symbolism in the names she chooses for her characters. Notably, Cleofilas' neighbors on either side are widowed women named Dolores and Soledad, which mean "sorrow" and "alone," respectively. The two women who come to her aid are Graciela, which is a Hispanic version of the name Grace, and Felice, which means "happiness." Cleofilas' s name is clarified by Graciela, who tries to explain it to Felice over the phone: "One of those Mexican saints, I guess. A martyr or something." This point is underscored by Jean Wyatt who notes that Mexican culture reveres women who suffer, as Cleofilas admires the tortured souls on the telenovelas.