Elenita (Witch-Woman) (V. 24)

 

Esperanza views Elenita as a “witch woman” who may provide some kind of insight relating to the

future home of Esperanza. Vignette 24 reveals some key aspects of Elenita’s life, such as the balance of

taking care of her children as well as serving as a community ‘seer.’ Despite her vague predictions,

Elenita is seemingly superstitious as she covers her furniture with plastic and makes Esperanza check the

water for spirits before they begin (63). The reader may be able to infer that Elenita does not believe any of

it and uses her methods solely in order to accumulate extra change, but her views are not explicitly stated.

When Esperanza asks about her home, Elenita states that Esperanza will have “A new house, a house made

of heart” (64). Elenita indirectly suggests Esperanza should be content with her current life because she will

not leave. Elenita has seen too many females dream of leaving Mango Street but have their dreams crushed

by harsh reality. Perhaps even her own dreams had been crushed by the weight of responsibility facilitated

by life in the neighborhood. 

Midnights has always struck me as Taylor Swift’s most magical and creative album as she experiments with electronic sounds and a sense of mystic love found deep within the lyrics and rhythm. While there may be no legitimacy to Elenita’s witchcraft, Esperanza believes she holds a higher power. Esperanza may view her as a Mastermind instead of her alternative character as an Anti-Hero. It is common for that community to believe in Karma while they fight their own versions of The Great War. It is almost as if Esperanza is saying Dear Reader, this is how Elenita is fighting to survive.