Only Daughter Response Questions

1.      What distinction does Cisneros make between being “the only daughter” and “only a daughter”?

Cisneros’ opinion on “the only daughter” forced her to keep to herself because her brothers felt they would be looked down upon for spending time with her in public.  This, in her present eyes, was good preparation for her future career as a writer. 

Cisneros’ opinion of “only a daughter” would lead her down the path her father wanted her to take which was to find a suitable husband and become a good wife.  Her father wanted her to take the more traditional path instead of having an actual career of her own.

2.      What advantages does Cisneros see in being the only daughter? In being only a daughter?

Cisneros saw in being “the only daughter” she was able to advance her career by spending time alone and developing a sense of writing.  It allowed her imagination to grow and develop into her writing career.

Cisneros saw the advantage of being “only a daughter” because it meant her father didn’t care what she focused her education.  It meant she was able to keep to herself without her father hovering about her work.

3.      Cisneros quotes her father several times…what do we learn about him from his words?

While I was reading the story I felt sorry for Cisneros because her father had belittled her throughout her life.  He expected her to get married and never become a career woman.  He also seemed to have little confidence in her until the end while he’s reading her story.

4.      Do you think Cisneros intends to convey a sympathetic or unsympathetic impression of her father? Explain.

I think in the beginning of the story Cisneros conveys an unsympathetic impression of her father because he demotes her beneath her brothers.  Since he showed no sort of confidence towards her she didn’t view him as sympathetic.  Towards the end of the story it shows how her father started to take an interest in her writings.  This enabled Cisneros to develop a more sympathetic view of her father since she had finally fulfilled her goal to impress him.

5.      Only Daughter” ends with the line: “Of all the wonderful things that happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful”…what “wonderful thing” is Cisneros referring to? Why do you think this “thing” means so much to her?

Cisneros is referring to when her father read her story and asked where he could get more copies to give to their relatives.  This “thing” means so much to her because all her life she has tried to impress her father.  He is finally letting her know she did a good job and he is proud of her.