Chicanas’ Resilience in Sabrina and Corina

Abstract

[eng] The themes addressed in Fajardo-Anestine’s collection of stories Sabrina and Corina (2020) revolve around the resilience of Chicana and Indigenous women. Resilience is often defined as the ability to overcome any adversity with a functional strength and readiness. In the stories selected for dissection in this essay, “Sugar Babies” and “Sabrina and Corina,” Chicana women of all ages are subjected to perpetual violence and oppression in terms of gender, class, sexuality, and ethnicity in the United States. They are also capable of empathizing with other women’s conditions and enhancing their support and sorority. This paper analyses kuiphow female protagonists, as well as other female secondary characters, develop their capacity for resilience using three strategies. Firstly, beauty is explored as a source of power and admiration whilst acknowledging its potential dangers. Secondly, humorous thoughts and dialogues help with the character’s well-being and provide relief in tense situations. Finally, storytelling enables Chicana women to legitimate their stories and memories. Ultimately, these strategies are essential to foster Chicana women’s capacity for resilience in Fajardo-Anestine’s Sabrina and Corina.