Introduction
The novel Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo provides an in-depth look at the complexities of a young Dominican-American teen, Xiomara Batista, as she navigates through her teenage years. Through her struggles, we learn about Xiomara’s determination, power, and solidity in the face of a difficult upbringing.
Character Analysis
Xiomara is an intelligent, strong-willed teenager living in Washington Heights, New York. She is the oldest in her family, and her parents are religious and strict. Xiomara loves her family but often feels stifled by their expectations and traditional views (Ammar). As a result, she finds solace through writing poetry, which she uses to express her feelings and emotions.
Xiomara is a complex character, and her upbringing shapes her personality. She is a fierce defender of her family, but also independent and determined to make her own path. She is passionate about her poetry and is not scared to stand up for what she believes in. Despite being a teenage girl, she is adamant and resilient and faces her problems head-on.
Xiomara’s strength and resilience are demonstrated throughout the novel. She stands up to her parents when they try to control her and makes decisions she knows are right for her, even when difficult. She also stands up to her peers when they make inappropriate comments and confronts her teacher when she feels wronged (Ammar). Xiomara also demonstrates strength in her relationships. She is honest, open with her friends, and unafraid to express her true feelings. She also has a strong bond with her brother and stands up for him when others try to take advantage of him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xiomara’s strength and resilience are evident in her handling of difficult situations. Despite her difficult upbringing, she stays true to herself and never loses sight of her dreams. She finds strength in her writing and relationships and is determined to make her own path. Xiomara is a complex character, and her strength and resilience are inspiring. She is a reminder that no matter how difficult life may be, it is possible to remain faithful to oneself and never give up on one’s dreams.
Work Cited
Ammar, Ali. “Unity and Closure: A Performatist Reading of Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo.” Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, vol. 6, no. II, Pakistan Social Sciences Research Institute (PSSRI), 2022. Web.