Only Daughter

Sandra Cisneros

"Only Daughter" is an autobiographical essay. It is also called a narrative essay. It is written by Sandra Cisneros. In this story, she reflects on her experiences growing up as the only daughter in a Mexican-American family of six brothers. The essay explores the cultural expectations placed upon Cisneros as a young girl and how her identity as the only daughter influenced her relationship with her family and her pursuit of education and writing. Cisneros discusses the challenges she faced in asserting her individuality and pursuing her dreams in a culture that often prioritised the roles and expectations of women within the family. Despite the pressures to conform to traditional gender roles, Cisneros remained determined to pursue her education and become a writer, ultimately finding her voice and identity through her writing. Throughout the essay, Cisneros highlights the importance of family, culture, and the power of storytelling in shaping one's identity and sense of self. "Only Daughter" serves as a poignant exploration of gender, culture, and the complexities of identity in the context of family and society.