Four Skinny Trees - Alia Eddauod

Four Skinny Trees

        In the chapter Four Skinny Trees, Esperanza compares herself to the trees. They understand each other because they are so similar. She even uses personification describing the trees as having skinny necks and pointy elbows like hers (74). Esperanza finds beauty in the nature around her even though her sister is too young and immature to appreciate them. She notices how the trees struggle to survive and they cling to each other for strength. The trees rely on each other, if one droop they all droop, they remind each other and her to keep on reaching. They prove life can grow and thrive despite the concrete on Mango Street ( 75).

   The most meaningful Long Quote

        I believe the most meaningful long quote in this chapter is when Esperanza gets inspiration from looking at the trees.  Cisneros writes: (writer's note, this would have a one inch left margin in MLA style, but the blog won't allow it so just pretend it is indented once inch and justified)

             

Keep, Keep, Keep, trees says when I sleep. They teach. When I am too sad and too skinny to keep keeping, when I am a tiny thing against so many bricks, then it is I look at trees. When there is nothing left to look at on this street. Four who grew despite concrete  (75)

Comparison

        I found similarities between Four Skinny Trees in more than one chapter in The House on Mango St. The first comparison is in chapter Chanclas "And Uncle spins me and my skinny arms bend the way he taught me. " ( 47) The second comparison I found is in A Rice Sandwich where Esperanza's mother sends a note to the school. "As you can see she is very skinny. I hope to god she does not faint." ( 45) These two statements show how Esperanza feels about her body image, and how she feels she doesn't belong. which is a major theme throughout the book. Both the trees and Esperanza have an inner strength to keep them going.

        

 A girl's reflections with the trees.