Esperanza\'s Box of Saints \"She

Esperanza's Box Of Saints

"She unwrapped the box carefully, so as not to tear the paper" (Escandon 139). Escandon skillfully shows how Esperanza feels about receiving gifts. Her wish not to tear the paper is eloquent and down-to-earth at the same time, and it gives an emotional look into the character. She is an uncomplicated woman in a very complicated situation, but she still has desires and feelings. The author uses all her language very carefully to bring out emotions and feelings in the reader. It seems as if this book speaks more to a female audience, and women would get more out of the author's language and depictions.

She had been drinking and the smell of alcohol rose from her skin, mixed with Sanborn's cologne, sweat, and someone else's breath" (139). Flaca is more what the reader might consider a true "whore," and the author describes her perfectly. She is not as sympathetic as Esperanza, because she drinks, smells, and is slovenly. The description of her is extremely important, because the author uses the language and the descriptive words so expertly. She really paints a picture of Flaca (and the other characters as well), so they seem real and very alive to the reader.

Flaca was sure Esperanza had set up the altar as a kind of decoration to excite her clients" (140). The author illustrates the cynicism that is so prevalent today. Esperanza sets up the altar in remembrance and hope of finding her daughter, but others see it as some scheming way to get more clients. They see life's worst, while Esperanza, even while she faces the worst, hopes for the best. This is one of the things that makes her so charming and memorable, and it shows what a good writer Escandon is.

Pages 159-160: "Things like this didn't happen to him. Not even in court" (Escandon 159). Scott's decision to bring Esperanza over the border with him is a big decision for him, and the author makes that clear by his reactions. Sweaty palms, memories, and unreality show he is uncertain and yet excited about this adventure, and that he has real feelings for Esperanza that he does not quite understand.

Then again, he had never helped a prostitute enter the United States illegally" (160). The author makes the situation funny so it does not seem so serious or important. Scott is in love, and that is all that matters. Escandon shows the impossibility and improbability of the situation with Scott's nervous reaction. He is wary, because getting caught could mean the end of his career, but it is like he is addicted, and he cannot turn back. The situations and descriptions the author uses all add to the magical quality of this book, and she uses literary techniques and images (like the sweaty palms) to make the characters come alive for the reader.