Secrets hidden in lies and silence---Hills like white Elephants The Moths - Essay Example

As such, this brief analysis will focus on some of the most powerful techniques of imagery, motif, and symbolism that is used to greatest effect within these two respective short stories. Firstly, with reference to Helena Viramontes’ “The Moths”, the levels of symbolism, motifs, and imagery pervade nearly every description, dialogue, and backdrop; however, for purposes of this analysis, Abuelita, and the role she plays, the inherent strengths and dynamics of her personality and the influence with which she interacts with the protagonist are the areas which will be most carefully explored.

The symbolism of Abuelita’s character is unique in that she is both a character in the story and a necessary outlet for the protagonist to express her angst towards her family and the pains she experiences while growing up at the hands of a verbally abusive father, bullying sisters, and an ambivalent and submissive mother. However, although the protagonist suffers from these unfortunate situations at home, her escape is Abuelita and the solace and comfort their relationship provides gives her the feeling of normality that a proper and healthy home life should have.

Whereas the protagonist’s sisters tease and ridicule her for her “bull hands” (Viramontes, 1983), Abuelita not only does not make mention of it but helps to focus her energies in a way to use her bull hands as a type of feminine strength and not a weakness. In this way, Abuelita helps the young woman to focus her productive energies, shows her that she is capable of performing useful and productive work without the fineries of crochet and needle point that occupy her siblings for hours on end.

While her family ridicules her for not being lady-like, Abuelita occupies the young girl with garden chores, pounding nails into coffee cans, and a host of other non-gender oriented chores that help the protagonist to forget about the rigors of her home life. By relying on the