Short Story Eleven By Sandra Cisneros

In the short story “Eleven”, by Sandra Cisneros uses Rachel’s behavior and internal dialogue to develop the main character as sensitive. Cisneros shows Rachel’s sensitivity by showcasing her actions toward others on her depressing birthday. After Sylvia Saldivar claims that the ugly sweater was hers, Rachel says “That’s not, I don’t . . . you’re not.” To Mrs. Price in a scared voice even though Rachel knows that the sweater does not belong to her. After Rachel pushes the sweater to a corner of her desk, Rachel is forced to put the sweater on, she wishes she wasn’t eleven because “All the years inside of me-ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four three, two, and one-are pushing at the back of my eyes” Another way Cisneros displays Rachel’s

sensitivity is through her internal dialogue. When Mrs. Price claims that she saw her wearing it once, the narration states, “Not mine, not mine, not mine, but Mrs. Price is already turning to page thirty-two, and math problem number four. I don’t know why but all of a sudden I’m feeling sick inside like the part of me that’s three wants to come out.” Rachel knows that what Mrs. Price said wasn’t true. Another example of Rachel’s sensitivity is “Since when Mrs. Price put the sweater on my desk, finally lets go, and all of a sudden I’m crying in front for everybody. I wish I was invisible but I’m not.” Because Rachel is making a big deal and won’t stand up for herself when both Sylvia Saldivar and Mrs. Price claim that the ugly red sweater is hers. Through Rachel’s actions and internal dialogue, Cisneros develops Rachel as sensitive.