Allegory in Woman Hollering Creek

In Sandra Cisnero’s “Woman Hollering Creek”, Cleofilas moves to Texas from Mexico with her new husband, where she dreams and hopes for a better, more luxurious life. Cleofilas quickly finds herself isolated, beaten, and neglected.
The name Cleofilas is the name of a Mexican martyr, which is significant because the woman in this story is beaten, and suffers from subordinating herself to the patriarchal system. She does not even try to fight back. When she decides to leave Juan Pedro in the end, it is almost as though she is experiencing a rebirth and becoming a new person.
Juan Pedro’s name fits into the allegory, because his name is so commonplace and could be anyone. It is like the English equivalent of ‘John Doe’, and in being so generic he represents male values in general, as well as the patriarchal system.
The two ladies who live on either side of Cleofilas are named Dolores and Soledad, or sorrow and loneliness. These names suit the women perfectly; both women live alone, and suffer because of the men in their lives. One woman lost her husband and children in the war, and the other lady will not even discuss her husband who has been long gone. They represent women who have become hurt from the patriarchal system, and who accept it even though they are suffering.
Felice and Graciela, the ‘comadres’ of Cleofilas, also represent their names well. Felice, or Feliz, is translated as ‘happy’ in English, and Graciela refers to grace. These two women help Cleofilas escape from the abuses of Juan Pedro. They are also figures of strength, and represent independent women. Felice discloses to Cleofilas that she owns the truck she is driving, and that she is unmarried. While passing the Gritona Creek, she hollers and whoops, showing Cleofilas that women have alternatives to living in abuse and sadness, and may claim a life for themselves.

-- Ashley Smith