Exploring the Quest to Be American in "I Want to Be Miss America" by Julia Alvarez
Who is the main character in "I Want to Be Miss America" by Julia Alvarez?
Julia Alvarez explores her adolescent quest to be "American" in the story. Who is the main character?
What hopes for the future were Alvarez and her sisters expected to have?
How were these expectations at odds with the plans of some of the Miss America contestants? How did this difference make the girls feel?
How did the appearance of Barbie Dolls mirror what Alvarez saw at college? How does she feel about this development?
Main Character in "I Want to Be Miss America"
The main character in "I Want to Be Miss America" by Julia Alvarez is Julia herself, exploring her journey to try and fit in as an American.
Hopes for the Future and Expectations
In the story, Alvarez and her sisters were expected to aspire to become successful Americans, which conflicted with the aspirations of Miss America contestants who were focused on beauty pageants. This made the girls feel torn between their own dreams and societal expectations.
Barbie Dolls and Alvarez's College Experience
The appearance of Barbie Dolls at college reflected the standard of beauty and perfection that Alvarez felt pressured to conform to. She viewed it as reminiscent of the unrealistic expectations placed upon her as she tried to assimilate into American culture.
Julia Alvarez's short story "I Want to Be Miss America" delves into the struggles of identity and assimilation faced by immigrants in America. Alvarez, as the main character, navigates the complexities of trying to embrace her Hispanic heritage while also desiring acceptance as an American.
Throughout the story, Alvarez and her sisters are expected to pursue the American dream of success, which contrasts with the superficial ambitions of Miss America contestants. This disparity reflects the internal conflict experienced by Alvarez and her sisters as they grapple with their own aspirations and societal pressures.
The presence of Barbie Dolls symbolizes the unattainable standards of beauty and perfection that Alvarez encounters at college. This further accentuates her feelings of alienation and the struggle to fit in while preserving her cultural identity.
By examining the themes of cultural identity, societal expectations, and personal struggles, "I Want to Be Miss America" offers a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience and the pursuit of the American dream in the face of adversity.