Almost A Woman

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“Almost A Woman” by Esmeralda Santiago "Introduction" “Almost A Woman” by Esmeralda Santiago is evidently a story of personal victory. A Puerto Rican teen successfully moves into a new environment and to early adulthood. Santiago’s account of her time in New York City can be said to be emotionally presented. The story brings out the encounters of two cultures, inner turmoil, family trials, and the union of a close family—all of which affect and come through Negi. Although these events are unfortunate, they turn out to be the ones, through struggling with them, and through the support of family that Negi develops the strength and courage to become her own individual. The reader is taken from one scene to another, experiencing with Negi as she struggles to get equilibrium of her past days with her present. What is more, the emotional with-draw of her father and Puerto Rico creates a double-edged sword. Negi wishes to return to her original roots where she is more comfortable, and the people are all alike. She wants to return to her virtuousness self and have a source of strength and inspiration. “Theme” Coming of Age Like many other books on memoirs and coming of age, “Almost A Woman” moves along the common thematic lines like parent-child conflicts, sibling rivalries, the path to adulthood, friendships, relationships with the opposite sex, and social issues. It is evident that the transition in coming of age is not easy because of the many challenges Negi and her family faced. For instance, as she comes of age, Esmeralda Santiago takes over the life multi-roles of student, daughter, and interpreter for her family. She lacks the ability to speak good English, her family is poor, and she is alienated because she comes from a different culture. When she attends school she remember how she was placed into a class where the students received low grades,
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