Elena

The central image in the poem is that of Elena’s family nightly gathering around the kitchen table, which represents family life. The whole family is there, which speaks to their closeness and their valuing of shared family time. Mora uses subtle details to sketch out the family dynamics. The children, clustered at the table, “laugh with one another” (Line 10), enjoying each other’s company in the spirit of camaraderie and good humor. Elena is slightly physically distant, “by the stove” (Line 11), which symbolizes her sense of alienation caused by lack of English proficiency. Her husband is captured in the act of frowning and drinking “more beer” (Line 13), a stern patriarchal presence relaxing with a few drinks after a hard day’s work. This kitchen table scene embodies their family relationships. This is a close-knit family in which traditional gender roles are clearly defined, which Mora conveys in just a few specific and recognizable details.

Bothered by her inability to understand her children’s chatter, Elena buys herself “a book to learn English” (Line 12). She could have borrowed an English textbook, but she bought one, which signals how she is, literally, invested in learning English. The gesture embodies her determination to make a change, no matter how much her husband frowns on it (Line 13).