What Does The Poet X Mean

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Megan Apollonio Mrs. Holiday Honors English April 7, 2024. Themes and Lessons in the novel The Poet X In the novel The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo illustrates a Latina teen named Xiomara, fettered to her strict catholic household and challenging life. Throughout Xiomara’s adolescence, she conforms to her strict family standards and is forced to make decisions about her religion and identity, causing her to question her values. However, Xiomara is faced with quandary and discontent with her current life and faith, looking for an opportunity to escape. Acevedo’s poetic style illustrates a hidden layer of meaning, which helps Xiomara navigate through relationships with her family and others around her, pursuing her passions and discovering the power of her voice. Throughout Xiomara’s …show more content…

For example, Xiomara doesn't have a great relationship with her mom, causing conflicting scenarios throughout the book: “Mira, Muchacha / Is Mami's favorite way to start a sentence / and I know I've already done something wrong /.Sometimes I want to tell her, the only person in this house / who isn't heard, is me” (Acevedo 6). This quote illustrates the impact of her mom’s expectations on Xiomara, causing her to feel forced into being the “perfect daughter” like her friend Caridad. Throughout the book, Caridad also influences Xiomara and learns lessons that influence her relationships with those around her: "I should hate Caridad. She's all my parents want in a daughter. She's everything I could never be”(Acevedo 30). Through the use of Acevedo's poetic language, Xiomara thinks of her friend as "perfect," thinking that she should be jealous, but deep down, loves her like a sister. Caridad later shifts to becoming a significant player in Xiomara's life, providing support as she navigates through the world of poetry and relationships. Xiomara’s English teacher also significantly impacts Xiomara’s perspective, inspiring her to

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