Minerva (V. 33)

 



              Minerva, a female character only a bit older than Esperanza,

struggles with two children and an abusive husband who continually

fades in and out of the picture. In vignette 33, Esperanza mentions that

Minerva “...cries because her luck is unlucky” (84).

To Esperanza, from her childish and religious viewpoint, it may seem

as though Minerva simply has bad luck. Esperanza is only just

beginning to recognize the harsh realities of life on Mango Street and

the potential paths her own life could take. Minerva writes poems, and

occasionally she lets Esperanza read them (84). Despite age, this

commonality between Minerva and Esperanza forges a bond between

them that allows Minerva to call upon Esperanza in time of need.

At the closing of the vignette, Minerva comes to Esperanza’s house

asking for advice on what she should do after her husband has visibly

beaten her. Esperanza cannot help Minerva (85). 


    What other album could compare to the rollercoaster of constantly changing emotions found within Red (Taylor’s Version)? Minerva changes her opinion and outlook on her husband almost every week, with highs feeling like 22 (Taylor’s Version) (even though there is no way she is 22 years old) and lows like All Too Well (Taylor’s Version). Minerva seems to be shifting from Stay Stay Stay (Taylor’s Version) to We Are Never Getting Back Together (Taylor’s Version) as she battles the emotional trauma involved with love and taking care of children at such a young age. I think this might be my best album correlation ever.

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