Gloria Anzaldúa Chapter 4 Summary

Gloria Anzaldúa’s unique writing style in Borderlands/La Frontera creates a more simple understanding of the complexities of identity through the eyes of a feminist-Chicana writer. Anzaldúa uses long, fast paced descriptions, alternating languages, and feminist perspective to really keep readers engaged throughout the passages. Anzaldúa often allows readers into her intimate memories to create a better understanding of living as a Mexican-American in Texas. In chapter 4, Anzaldúa describes the first time in which she actually felt the Coatlicue within her psyche: "I would look into the mirror, afraid of mi secreto terrible, the secret sin I tried to conceal-la seña, the mark of the Beast" (64). These short descriptions to set an eerie ton to the story and draw readers in. The uneasiness she feels while in this whirlwind of spiritual emotions is made transparent. Anzaldúa continues: "I locked the the door, kept the world out; I vegetated, hibernated, remained stasis, idled. No telephone, no television, no radio.." (66). Anzaldúa makes fear a primary tone in this passage of La berencia de Coatlicue/The Coatlicue State. Long descriptive passages of what she felt

While some may find this style of writing confusing and unnecessary, others may find Anzaldúa's ability to invoke readers with Spanish passages refreshing. Anzaldúa switches to Spanish throughout the book with no clear warning or translation. For instance, in The Coatlicue State, Anzaldúa alternates immediately from, "she could not trust her horses because they stood for her core self, her dark Indian self", to "La consentida, la rancherita que es se avergonzaba de su cuerpo tried not to show pain.." (65). Anzaldúa is sure to remind the reader of her Mexican heritage. Incorporating Spanish in the text so naturally demonstrates a sense of Mexican patriotism. She is demonstrating that even after through the identity crisis