Conflicts
Xiomara struggles with her growing feelings for Aman while also learning to find her voice.
Character vs. Self
The class where Xiomara meets her lab partner and begins developing feelings for him.
Biology
“I look and feel like a myth / A story distorted, waiting for others to stop and stare”
Simile
"I was born all the hurricane he needed to lift--and drop--those that hurt him to the ground" (Acevedo 45).
Xiomara fights for her brother so much that she is dangerous to others.
"There be no clean in men's hands."
Mami
This conflict drives much of the story as Xiomara clashes with her strict mother over religion, dating, and independence.
Character vs. Character
(Xiomara vs. Mami)
A public place that becomes important to Xiomara and Aman as they share a love of music.
The smoke park
“the words trip and twist their ankles / trying to rush out my mouth”
Personification
"Music can become a bridge between you and a total stranger" (Acevedo 83).
People can connect and find common interests through music.
Caridad
This conflict develops quietly as Xiomara realizes her father is physically present but emotionally distant.
Character vs. Character
(Xiomara vs. Papi)
Xiomara discovers an opportunity to express herself creatively in this school location, where she first sees the flyer for poetry club.
School hallway/staircase
“My brother was birthed a soft whistle: / quiet, barely stirring the air, a gentle sound. / But I was born all the hurricane he needed”
Metaphor
"Make your heart a Brillo pad, brittle and steel--don't be no d*mn sponge" (Acevedo 207).
Don't be so emotional that you let other people hurt you.
"You did a great job today, Xiomara. I know it isn't always easy to put yourself out there like that."
Ms. Galiano
As Xiomara questions Catholic teachings and struggles to feel connected to Mass and confirmation, she experiences this conflict.
Character vs. Faith (Supernatural?)
Xiomara says that, these days, this setting feels "less party, more prison."
Church
“It happens when I’m at bodegas.
It happens when I’m at school.
It happens when I’m on the train.
It happens when I’m standing on the platform.
It happens when I’m sitting on the stoop.”
Anaphora
"I'm wearing Aman's kiss like a bright red sweater" (Acevedo 149).
People can tell that Xiomara feels more confident yet nervous.
"The poem was for you. I thought it would be cathartic to write something for yourself."
Twin
Xiomara faces this conflict whenever boys and grown men harass her or judge her body in public spaces.
Character vs. Society
The story begins with Xiomara sitting on...
The stoop
“Because every day the idea of poetry club is like Eve’s apple: / something you can want but can’t have.”
Simile & Allusion
"[My heart is a hand with] fingers that curl but have no other hand to hold them so they just end up biting into themselves" (Acevedo 232).
Xiomara is so lonely that it is physically hurting her.
"Not every fight can be fought with gloves, Xiomara."
Father Sean