Gender Dynamics in “Woman Hollering Creek”: The Influence of Culture and Religion
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Tanya Sasser, English
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
11:00-11:10am | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Sandra Cisneros’ “Woman Hollering Creek” examines the conflicting gender dynamics rooted in the combination of Mexican culture and Roman Catholic doctrines. Set in Seguin, Texas, the narrative portrays Cleófilas, a woman struggling in her marriage, as she navigates the pressures of motherhood and gender roles enforced by her community's values. Through Cleófilas’ experiences, the story details the influence of Catholic traditions on perceptions of femininity, marriage, and motherhood. Cultural references, such as the folklore of La Llorona, further illuminate the traditional constraints Cleófilas must resist to protect her children and redefine her purpose. Ultimately, Cisneros highlights the broader issue of women confronting societal norms and offers a narrative of resilience and self-determination, demonstrating a solution that prioritizes personal values and duties over cultural impositions.
Keywords
student research, English, literature
Rights
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Disciplines
English Language and Literature
Recommended Citation
Gomez, Marcus, "Gender Dynamics in “Woman Hollering Creek”: The Influence of Culture and Religion" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 25.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/25
