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Under The Feet Of Jesus Character Analysis

658 Words3 Pages

In Helena Maria Viramontes’ novel, Under the Feet of Jesus, Estrella starts off as angsty and confused, but then shifts to a state of contentment and understanding, caused by life experiences. These character traits are revealed through the selection of detail, figurative language, and tone.
Initially, Estrella is immediately characterized as “very angry” when she finds Perfecto’s “foreign” toolbox. She uses a tone of confusion that illustrates her unfamiliarity with the objects in the tool box by using words such as “funny-shaped”, and using a simile comparing her confusion with the tools to the alphabet which Estrella “could not decipher”. Furthermore, Estrella’s angsty and confused character continues to be revealed with the description of her actions after that. Estrella is “silent with rage” for days, due to her confusion and lack of knowledge over the toolbox.
More of Estrella’s angsty and confused character is seen when she is in school, …show more content…

As Estrella focuses on a pry bar, she “weighed the significance it awarded her”, reflecting that the learning experience means something more to her. Through Perfecto’s guidance, Estrella “came to understand how essential it was to know these things”, the power of knowledge, using the tools in the toolbox as a vehicle to aid her longing angst and confusion. This way she realizes the importance of beginning to read, and she does just so. Estrella realizes that reading will not only help her to know the tools, but will also guide her understanding in school, and throughout more life challenges.
Through careful use of detail, figurative language, and tone, Viramonte is able to showcase the character development of Estrella, who starts off as an angsty, confused young girl, but transforms into a being who is now content and understanding, seen through her prior life experiences and

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