Responses to "The Gift of a Cuento" from the book Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer

Goldie Barajas

English 1A

9/24/10

Responses to “The Gift of a Cuento”

from the book Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer.

1.      I liked that Judith used the tale of the Puerto Rican Cinderella in her essay because  the Cinderella I grew up knowing was the total opposite of the Puerto Rican one. I grew up knowing about a weak, noble, dependent woman that never had the courage to stand up to her evil stepsisters and stepmother. The Puerto Rican Cinderella was “brave enough to stand up to her wicked stepmother and stepsisters and clever enough to banish them from home forever” (pg.47) and I think having girls understand a Puerto Rican Cinderella would be better rather than inscribing wrong ideas in their mind.

2.      I found interesting the way the author organized her essay because she kept me motivated to keep on reading more in order to understand the structure of her essay and purpose. The author started as being a thirteen-year-old relating herself to Cinderella and wanting a Prince but her uncle changes this perspective in her. Later on, her uncle teaches her the meaning of a tale and why tales are so important. They are important because they have words and words can take you into a world of magic. This empowering Judith to become a writer. In conclusion, I was really thrilled by her essay’s structure and that was really appealing to me because it kept me interested.

3.       What bored me was that Judith in page 42 goes into describing how her uncle would tell tales to her family and how they were so excited about them  because I really did not want to know about her uncle telling tales to the family. I would have prefer Judith to go straight to the point and tell me the purpose of her essay. I really think that piece of the essay was unnecessary to read.

Responses to “Taking the Macho” from Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer

Goldie Barajas

English 1A

9/23/10

Responses to “Taking the Macho” from

Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer

1.      I liked the way Judith started her essay by using a very interesting legend about some "macho women" because it allowed me to grasp a preview of what her essay was going to be about. I, as a reader, prefer to have an idea of the essays topic by reading a remarkable introduction, rather than being lost and trying to figure out what the author is talking about along her essay.

2.      I did not like the way the author shifts from the legend of the “macho women” to her own personal story because it confused me. I had to read the story twice in order to understand the purpose of shifting  from a general statement, to a personal one.

3.      I found the author’s word-choice interesting, from a writer’s point of view, because it was well chosen and absolutely clever. It really made me feel engaged in the essay and not bored by “lazy” words. As a writer, one must be really careful about choosing the right words to express one’s feelings and emotions in an essay, and Cofer did this completely well.

4.      I found Judith’s point of view on the concept of “macho“, interesting from a reader’s point of view, because she informs me that as a writer she has to fight against the stereotype that the term “macho” only belongs to men, this reflecting the same concept that writing is dominated by only men. Judith’s struggle against these two stereotypes appeals to me very much because I have been in a similar situation in the past.

7.  I learned a couple of important things from reading “Taking the Macho.” The first one was that stereotypes about men’s and women’s roles in society have not changed at all even though we are in the 21^st century. I think this is very significant because I have more knowledge of what the world really is for women. Judith has taught me that it is not impossible to take the “macho” role and to do what you desire but that indeed it is a struggle, like being a writer for Judith is.

            The second important thing I learned was that women in our society today let themselves be civilized by men. Meaning that men control them and tell them what they can and cannot do.  I absolutely think this is significant because this teaches me not to let myself be one of those many women that cannot peruse what they desire for fear or lack of courage. 

A Woman's Mentor

Goldie Barajas

English 1A

9/3/10

A Woman's Mentor

            "My Rosetta", a memoir from the book Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer, was based on the author's memory of Rosetta, the sister that taught Judith’s confirmation classes, while Judith was fourteen-years-old living in Paterson, New Jersey. Keeping in mind that during this time her awareness of the outside world was arising within her, I, as a reader noticed, that Sister Rosetta provided Judith with a different perspective of life. Since, Sister Rosetta was unlike Judith's family.  For example, when Sister Rosetta provided Judith with Ravi's Shankar music album, Judith's mother disagreed with it. She would call it "the cat-fight-album"(pg.3.) and when Judith was starting to wonder about "lust, sex, and drugs," Sister Rosetta was there to provide her with books that would inform her about those certain topics avoided by her family and this lead Judith to finding an accomplice in Sister Rosetta. Sister Rosetta introduced Judith to a world of knowledge, in which language had an extremely "seductive power"(pg. 18.) Therefore, considering the fact that Judith is now a writer I would say that Judith wrote about Sister Rosetta simply because she introduced her to a very essential key factor to writers, which is language and this makes me curious and hungry for more of Judith's interesting writing.

Like "Maria Sabida"

Goldie Barajas

English 1A

9/10/10

Like "Maria Sabida"

            Growing up within two cultures is either comforting or complex. It can be comforting because one can explore and experience double the traditions and customs each culture carries. But it can be complex and frustrating if one is often times questioned about one's culture, like in Judith Ortiz Cofer's case. By reading the piece of writing, "And Are You a Latina Writer?" from the book Woman in Front of the Sun by Judith Ortiz Cofer, I discovered that Judith after all has found her way through the very complicated role of being a Latina writer. I read and felt through her words the confidence and assurance she is filled with.

1) I liked that when she was asked "Why don't you write in Spanish?..."(pg.106) she responded proudly and said that "Spanish is her familial language, the tongue she spoke with her blood relatives, that she dreamed in, and that lies between the lines of her English sentences..." (pg.106) I was thrilled by this response because Judith responded in such a dauntless way, that made it clear, for the person asking her this question, that Judith knew what she was doing, and that no matter what language Judith decides to write in, both her cultures are involved either visually or emotionally.

2) In addition, I found interesting that Judith lets me, the reader, know that "No longer the idealistic young poet is hoping to find big answers to big questions that she is content now to be the solitary traveler, the caminante..." (pg.115) I found this appealing because this tells me that the struggle and demands for defining her culture are no longer haunting Judith; Meaning that she is finally at ease with herself.

3) Furthermore, my very favorite part was when Judith mentioned that through her grandmother's storytelling she teaches her the way back home (pg. 115) due to the fact that this expresses Judith's feelings towards her grandmother's stories. This shows that her abuela's stories have an enormous significant to Judith. Judith values these stories and this portrays that Judith will never forget about her home. Even if Judith is far away because she has the stories inscribed in her mind that will make her feel and remember her home whenever she desires.

4) Additionally, I learned two extremely important things from reading "And Are You a Latina Writer" one is that: it is not necessary to give up on something that makes one a whole person (pg.110) just because it is confusing or difficult, such as having two cultures. This is significant because not giving up can allow a person to find their full identity. Another thing I learned is that one should be independent (pg.113). Although being around people of one's same cultural background is nice that should not stop an individual from fulfilling and accomplishing their work. This is absolutely important considering the fact that not always will a person have individuals similar to themselves. Therefore, one should never depend on others to get work done.

            Lastly, I would like to say, this reading has impacted me completely since I have not read about someone like Judith in a long time. Judith is certainly a proud Latina woman that illustrates through her piece of writing "And Are You a Latina Writer" the eager and confidence she feels towards her identity. So, at last she made her experience of growing up within two cultures work for her instead of against her, just the way Maria Sabida taught her to do so.

The Piano

Goldie Barajas

English 6A, Lennon

11/19/09

I think the piano from the play The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson is really important and essential to the play’s meaning. Without the piano the play would not make sense. The play is centered on the piano and it is developed through the valuable history in it. The piano has a story to tell. I think it represents the struggle between the Charles family and slavery. Thinking about the piano is thinking of the many years ago in which the Charles’ were enslaved by the Sutter’s family and the events following.

As the play began I did not get why the piano had so much significance and why Boy Willie could not sell it, if indeed he owned half of it. But as the play takes place I start finding out that it’s not just a piano. It is the history in the piano that makes it significant; history of the Charles family. I found out the carvings on it were carved by Boy Willie (Doaker’s grandfather) and that Mama Ola loved when Bernice played it. Moreover, Mama Ola died polishing that piano. Boy Charles died for stealing the piano. It is as if the piano represents the past and trouble is brought with it.

Conflict over the piano within the play is throughout. At some point the conflict between Berniece and Boy Willie over the piano for me is compelling. I put myself in Berniece’s place and get to thinking that if I would have been her, I as well would not sell the piano. I would have kept it because several of my ancestors struggled while the piano was owned by the Sutters’. Not only this, but also because my father died over it and my great grandfather carved beautiful carvings on it. It would have be a waste selling it and not keep the history of it with me because the story in is vital for me and future generations of the family.

Wining Boy

Goldie Barajas

English 9A, Lennon

11/12/09

My impression of the character Wining Boy in the play,The Piano Lesson, by August Wilson, is triggered by the author’s description of him. The author states on stage descriptions that Wining Boy is “fifty-six years old and he is Doaker’s older brother.” He also states that he “tries to present the image of a successful musician and gambler, but his music, his clothes, and even his manner of presentation are old. He is a man that looking back over his life continues to live it with an odd mixture of zest and sorrow” (pg 28).

I personally agree with all these facts said about him having read about him on Act 1, Scene 2. He does seem like the kind of person who lives life with sorrow… I say this basing my opinion on what I have learned about him. I learned that his wife, Cleotha dies. I also learned that he valued the relationship he had with her. He said that with her he had a home; he really loved her but his love for gambling caused her to kick him out of their home. He lost the feeling of love. That I imagine must be sorrowful. However, I in a way like him because he seems like a man looking for adventures. I find him interesting as well because as mentioned on Act 1, Scene 2 he knows how to play the piano. I find that clever, due to the fact that, playing the piano is for me a woman's talent. On the other hand I also like him since he agrees with Berniece on not selling the piano. That comes to show he has some sort of values and feelings towards family.

But at the same time I sort of dislike him. I get the sense by what I have read that he loves money. I relate him to Boy Willie in that sense. Boy Willie also loves money but unlike Wining Boy, he does not waste it on gambling. He is very different from Doaker, his older brother. Doaker is very passive and supportive towards his family and responsible. Wining Boy, I think is almost the opposite of Doaker. Wining boy is a character I am looking forward to read more about.

Maria Carmen Sierra (September 25, 1973-until this day)

My mother is the one person whom I can’t live without. She is my baby, my love, my sweetie and the one person, I know, will give her life in exchange for mine, without thought. I am here, where I am, able to write about such a wonderful woman thanks to her. If it wasn’t for my mother always supporting me and providing me with the care and love only a mother can give, I will be simply lost doing who knows what. She inspires every day of my life. She has given me that strength to feel like I can move mountains and rivers if I set my mind to it. She is everything to me.


This amazing woman was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, a September afternoon. She lived in Cueramaro, a small town in Guanajuato, for three years. At the age of three she immigrated along with two of her older sisters (my aunts), to the United States. They settled down in East Los Angeles, California, where she still lives now, and where she was raised. My mother later, at the age of five enrolled into kinder garden. As many of us do. Everything was easy going for her until she started growing up. She grew up without having the heed and protection of a mother because my grandmother immigrated to the United States, a few years later. Not sure.


My grandmother came back into my mother’s life, when she was already in junior high. My mother was about twelve-years-old. My grandmother often questioned my mother about her future, goals, or career plans. My mother didn’t really care about all this “trash” like she would call it. This was something my grandmother was definitely concern about. At this age, who is concern about the future, goals, or career plans, really? Anyway, my mother always ended up in an argument with my grandmother. They were like water and salt-couldn’t be around each other at all.


My mother constantly went out, who knows where. This worried my grandmother a lot and oh boy it got my mother in immense trouble as well. The secret was that my dear mother had an older boyfriend, who unfortunately is my biological father. This man, who I consider a brute, got her pregnant at age fifteen. This pregnancy gives life to my older sister Daisy on December 5, 1988. But this also gives place to the day my mother’s miserable teenage years begin. He changed her life forever. He abused her in any possible way you can imagine, even while she was pregnant. That didn’t stop him. He would hit her with a hose, if she didn’t bring money home with her every single day. My mother lived under domestic violence for such a long time, until the month later I was born (December 1991), and she met what I call my real father. Forget about the animal, he is nothing to me. As my baby says “A father is one who raises you, not one who only donates a sperm.” That is so true.


After meeting my father Jorge, my mother’s life truly changed for the better. He showed her the true meaning of love. My father was the miracle that saved my mother and me from living a horrible life with the brute. And I say my mother and I because my sister Daisy doesn’t come in the picture anymore. Daisy is given up to my grandmother, by my mother, due to the fact that my mother was too young to take care of Daisy. Even if my mother wanted to keep Daisy, she couldn’t. The animal would have done I don’t know what with Daisy, since she was born a girl and he wanted a boy. So, my mother started a new life with my father, and me.


Later on, Jasmine, my sister, is born on April 27, 1994, and then comes Aileen, my little sister on January 12, 2000, and last but not least, Vladimir, my little brother, is born on September 22, 2001. My mother was always so devoted to all of us. I remember her gazing at us, her little babies, with so much love in her eyes. I love that gaze. Her eyes are dark brown but yet they are brilliant. They stand out in comparison. My mother has the eyes, that when they turn to look at me, they give me a sense of security; as if an army is behind me ready to attack anyone who dares mess with me. Her hair is dark black and wavy. Her wavy hair flows smoothly when it is touched. It is never tangled. So, my fingers travel through it with no trouble. My mother is just beautiful and gorgeous.


Yes, I have to admit she has made mistakes as any human being has. Nobody is perfect. I know she didn’t graduate from junior high and didn’t make it to high school but that has never stopped her from being a hard- working mother, who only works to give her children the best she can. My mother doesn’t like us desiring anything at all. Whatever we want, if she can, she’ll give it to us. My mother is great!


My mother and I have always been best friends. I tell her what goes on with me and she does too. She is my confident. The one I trust 100% without doubt. I know she will never ever do anything to hurt me. She has lived her whole life to please no one but her children. For her, no one else matters but us. We are her priority. I am so lucky having been born from such a marvelous human being. She is my inspiration for everything. The one I love with all of my heart. She is Maria Carmen Sierra, my MOTHER!