Coming from their strong heritage, Jacobsen and Cisneros learn the value of independence and hard work, and through disappointments faced in life, they pursue their aspirations. Jacobsen's and Cisneros’ stories are alike because they are both first-generation Americans, striving for success, but they differ on their point of view, upbringing, and outlook on their heritage.
The angle in which a piece of writing takes is known as the point of view. This powerful literary device is used to the fullest in Cisneros' writing to evoke stronger emotions, however, it does not play as vital a role in Jacobsen's writing. In “ Reflection: Growing Up Grown”, Jacobsen sticks strictly with the 1st person point of view. As he faces the conflict of his mother's decline, Jacobsen says,"I am slowly realizing my foolishness, and assessing the reality now, that I can live a comfortable life because of her [Jacobsen's mom] sacrifice" (Jacobsen 45). Following a simple chronological order, he tells his story and inputs bits and pieces of personal emotions felt on account of his journey, all the while, following the 1st …show more content…
Although they share a common heritage, their upbringings vary. For example, Cisneros and her father argue over her decision to move out and live under certain conditions that he deems as unacceptable. “...Why did I work so hard to buy a house with a furnace so she could go backward [sic] and live like this?”(Cisneros 48). Cisneros' father does not understand her desire to struggle when he has provided for her. Growing up in a household with a sufficient income, Cisneros never wanted for anything. Her father provides a loving household and tries to guilt her into returning to his humble abode, but to “feel like a real writer” she continues on her path and ignores his requests. In contrast to the life lived by Cisneros, Jacobsen is not as fortunate. After naming the various roles he plays to make up for his mother's absence, he says, "Many of us have been in the real world all our lives" (Jacobsen 44), a casual allusion to his reality of growing up faster than the other kids. After he and his mom come into debt, she takes on the profession of a prostitute and continues to engage in poor judgment. Jacobsen sets aside his obstacles and begins his life in college, letting his struggles help him grow as a writer. While both encounter hardships with family, through their struggles comes growth; Jacobsen graduates college and Cisneros becomes a successful