Analysis of Similes and Repetition in “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros Literary Elements Analysis of Similes and Repetition in “Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros

Figurative Language Focus: Similes A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as. (Ex: My little brother laughs like a hyena.)

Similes in “Eleven” Small-Group Activity Identify examples of similes in “Eleven.”

Similes in “Eleven” “…the way you grow old is kind of like an onion or like the rings inside a tree trunk or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other, each year inside the next one.” What two things are being compared? Why did the author use these comparisons? To help the reader understand what the narrator is expressing about growing older; each new year is layered on top of the younger years…but your younger ages are still inside; shows how we mature, so slowly, one ring at a time.

Similes in “Eleven” “Only today I wish I didn’t have just eleven years rattling inside me like pennies in a tin Band-Aid box.” What does the narrator mean by this comparison? She wishes she had more years/“pennies” inside her/“tin Band-Aid box” because she wouldn’t be as empty as she is with only eleven inside; with more years, she would be filled with more wisdom and experience.

Similes in “eleven” “…collar and sleeve all stretched out like you could use it for a jump rope.” “…the red sweater’s still sitting there like a big red mountain.” “…red sweater…hanging all over the edge like a waterfall…” “…sweater that smells like cottage cheese…” “…my body shaking like when you have the hiccups…” “…my whole head hurt like when you drink milk too fast.” “I want today to be far away…like a runaway balloon, like a tiny dot in the sky…”

Repetition The frequent use of words or phrases in a story for emphasis. A writer may use repetition to emphasize an idea or feeling.

Repetition in “Eleven” Small-Group Activity Identify examples of repetition in “Eleven,” and discuss the following questions with your group members: Why do you think the author repeated these words and phrases? When you read each example of repetition…what does the repetition make you think of?

Examples of repetition in “eleven” “Not mine, not mine, not mine.” Why do you think the author repeated these words? To emphasize Rachel’s frustration and struggle to hold back her younger ages. When you read them does it remind you of anything? The repetition of these words remind me of a three- year-old or young child.

Repetition examples “…today I am eleven, eleven.” Emphasizes Rachel’s attempt to hold back her younger ages by reminding herself that she’s eleven. “…everybody will sing Happy birthday, happy birthday to you.” Emphasizes Rachel’s attempt to overcome the situation at school by reminding herself that it’s her birthday…a day that is supposed to be happy.

Repetition examples “…ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, and one…” This repetition reemphasizes the ages to show Rachel’s attempt to hold back all her younger years. The repetition of the ages foreshadows the climax of the story, when Rachel finally lets go and cries in front of everyone…counting down. “…all the years inside of me—ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, and one—are pushing at the back of my eyes…”