Trans-Migration

A theme present in "The Moths," a short story by Helena Viramontes, trans-migration refers to the passing of one element to another. In the case of "The Moths," spirituality is trans-migrated from the Grandmother to the granddaughter at the time of the Abueta's death. The trans-migration is represented by the circling of the moths that Helena views leaving her grandmother's mouth upon her death. However, Helena's tears signify her acceptance of the transmigration. It is at this time that the calm spirituality possessed by the Grandmother is passed to Helena as she, herself transforms internally.