I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter Theme Analysis (Essay Sample)

In Erika Sánchez’s realistic fiction novel, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Sánchez portrays the struggles of a young girl in a Mexican household who can’t seem to meet her mother’s traditional expectations. Living with her eldest sister, Olga—the ideal Mexican daughter—Julia feels as if her life has been a harrowing journey. When Olga is tragically killed in a car accident, expectations are put in place for Julia to fill Olga’s footsteps. Following the theme of cultural identity and family relationships, Sánchez challenges the reader to interpret the book from the perspective of Julia, while still forming their personal opinions of the story. Readers of different ages, gender, and cultural backgrounds are likely to react differently to Julia’s uncompromising household. Based on these aspects, I initially sided with Julia; however, by the end of the novel, I was able to sympathize with both Julia and her mother.

Listening to a mother’s rules is the opposite of what any teenager wants to do. Julia was considered rebellious to her mother, yet compliant in the eyes of others. Throughout the novel, Julia was imposed in situations where she dishonored her mother’s regulations. This formed an emotional gap that expanded over time. The harsh words spoken by Julia's mother affected her on the most significant level: “You know, Julia, you’re always causing trouble, creating problems for your family.” (53). Readers of older age, specifically parents, may sympathize with both characters because they can acknowledge and understand both sides of the story. Yet, I only felt remorse for Julia. As a teenager in today’s day and age, I need my freedom and independence. Julia is deprived of this aspect because of her mother’s traditional standards. I believe in religion and culture in life; however, I also think it cannot be forced. When demanded upon a person, it may become a burden rather than an appreciation. From personal experience as a teenager, I have been able to embrace my culture because of my choice. Sanchez strategically utilizes these components to create controversy for the readers regarding who is considered moral and who is perceived as unconventional. 

While my thoughts pondered around the idea that the mother was entirely in the wrong toward the beginning of the novel, as I continued reading, my opinion began to shift. I learned of the hardships Julia’s mother faced at a young age. “I had to drop out of school to work and help take care of my family when I was only thirteen.”(283). Furthermore, when Julia’s mother crossed the border to America, she was raped. “So when you and your mother fight, you can see where she comes from and understand what’s happened to her. She doesn’t mean to hurt you.” (275).  Due to her past, Julia’s mother kept a tight rein on her. As a reader, I formed the realization that I had once forgotten: everyone has a story—a past—and you don’t truly know, until you know. Being fifteen, I have scarcely experienced life. I never stopped to think about why Julia’s mother was so forbidding. Additionally, being a female has allowed me to grasp the meanings behind both Julia and her mother to a greater extent. Exemplified throughout the novel, Julia’s mother expects her to take part in the societal requirements she had once fulfilled as a kid. However, Julia doesn’t want to be imprisoned by her mother’s ideologies of life. She wants to go to college, become a writer, and live life to its fullest extent. Individually, I feel I identify with both Julia and her mother. In the mother, I can see myself wanting to continue my own traditions when I’m older. As for now, I see myself in Julia; enjoying freedom, exploring, and wanting to live life while I’m young. Towards the end of the novel, Julia returns home from an impromptu trip to Mexico. She begins to realize that relationships are a two-way street. While she knows she will never live up to her mother’s expectations, she extends her empathy and forgiveness, knowing that her mother has struggled too. Julia’s sympathy carried through me, as I felt that if Julia could understand, so could I. 

Interpretations of I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter seem to vary based upon age, gender, and cultural background. Age can determine one's favorite character. One's gender will either allow or deny access to an understanding of the story and characters on a greater level. Lastly, cultural background enables one to compare, contrast, and reflect upon others.