“Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

“Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros first appeared in her 1984 collection The House on Mango Street, a book that explores themes of identity, family, and culture through poetic vignettes. This particular piece is a short, poignant poem that reflects on the speaker’s deep affection and sorrow for her ailing grandfather, referred to as “Abuelito.” The poem’s main qualities include its emotional tone, vivid imagery, and sparse yet powerful language. Cisneros captures the fragility of life and the speaker’s sense of loss as her grandfather becomes distant due to illness. The main idea centers on the bond between the speaker and her grandfather, portraying how illness changes their relationship and the speaker’s struggle to cope with his inevitable decline.

Text: “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

Abuelito who throws coins like rain
and asks who loves him
who is dough and feathers
who is a watch and glass of water
whose hair is made of fur
is too sad to come downstairs today
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond
who tells me in English you are my sky
whose little eyes are string
can’t come out to play
sleeps in his little room all night and day
who used to laugh like the letter k
is sick
is a doorknob tied to a sour stick
is tired shut the door
doesn’t live here anymore
is hiding underneath the bed
who talks to me inside my head
is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes
who snores up and down up and down up and down again
is the rain on the roof that falls like coins
asking who loves him
who loves him who?

Annotations: “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

Line	Annotation	Literary Devices
Abuelito who throws coins like rain	The image of coins being thrown like rain suggests generosity and a carefree nature. It could also hint at fleeting moments or abundance.	Simile, Imagery
and asks who loves him	This line reveals Abuelito’s vulnerability, his need for affirmation and love, perhaps indicating his loneliness or fragility.	Repetition (of “who”), Theme of Love and Loneliness
who is dough and feathers	The softness of “dough” and “feathers” suggests that Abuelito is fragile or delicate, emphasizing his aging or physical weakness.	Metaphor, Imagery
who is a watch and glass of water	Abuelito is compared to a “watch,” symbolizing time, and a “glass of water,” suggesting transparency or fragility. Time is passing, and he is delicate like a glass of water.	Metaphor, Symbolism
whose hair is made of fur	The texture of his hair is compared to fur, possibly evoking an image of aged, soft, or thinning hair.	Metaphor, Imagery
is too sad to come downstairs today	Abuelito’s sadness is so deep that it physically confines him, hinting at depression or a weakened state of health.	Personification, Theme of Sadness
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond	The term “diamond” symbolizes something precious, emphasizing the close relationship between the speaker and Abuelito. The use of Spanish shows cultural and familial connection.	Symbolism, Language Switching (Spanish), Metaphor
who tells me in English you are my sky	“Sky” symbolizes vastness and beauty, underscoring the speaker’s importance to Abuelito. The switch to English may represent bridging between two worlds or languages.	Symbolism, Language Switching (English), Metaphor
whose little eyes are string	This metaphor suggests his eyes are thin or tired, perhaps due to age or illness.	Metaphor, Imagery
can’t come out to play	The innocence of “play” contrasts with Abuelito’s inability to engage, showing his physical or emotional decline.	Juxtaposition, Theme of Loss and Decline
sleeps in his little room all night and day	“Little room” evokes confinement or isolation, and sleeping “all night and day” suggests withdrawal from life or illness.	Imagery, Theme of Isolation
who used to laugh like the letter k	The comparison to the letter “k” suggests a sharp, distinct sound of laughter, possibly evoking nostalgia for his former vitality.	Simile, Alliteration (of “k”), Nostalgia
is sick	A simple, direct statement of his condition, highlighting Abuelito’s illness.	Theme of Sickness
is a doorknob tied to a sour stick	This complex metaphor suggests Abuelito is like an immovable object (doorknob) tied to something unpleasant (sour stick), evoking the idea of being stuck in an uncomfortable or bitter situation.	Metaphor, Imagery
is tired shut the door	This line implies exhaustion and a desire to withdraw, with “shut the door” acting as a metaphor for closing off from the world or others.	Metaphor, Theme of Fatigue and Isolation
doesn’t live here anymore	This suggests Abuelito is either mentally or physically absent, or perhaps has passed away, emphasizing loss.	Euphemism, Theme of Loss
is hiding underneath the bed	The image of hiding under the bed may symbolize fear, avoidance, or death.	Metaphor, Imagery
who talks to me inside my head	This line shows how Abuelito remains present in the speaker’s thoughts, even if he is no longer physically present.	Theme of Memory, Personification
is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes	The items associated with Abuelito evoke domesticity and personal familiarity, hinting at the everyday objects that remind the speaker of him.	Symbolism, Imagery, Metonymy
who snores up and down up and down up and down again	The repetitive motion of snoring “up and down” could suggest rhythmic, ongoing presence, even in his sleep, yet possibly hint at the cycles of life and illness.	Repetition, Imagery, Rhythm
is the rain on the roof that falls like coins	Returning to the earlier simile, the rain falling like coins suggests a connection between his generosity and nature, while also reinforcing his declining presence, as both the rain and coins are fleeting.	Simile, Imagery
asking who loves him	This repetition emphasizes Abuelito’s ongoing need for love and connection, showing his vulnerability.	Repetition, Theme of Loneliness
who loves him who?	The inversion of the sentence structure here suggests a deep emotional plea, possibly hinting at uncertainty or confusion, emphasizing the theme of needing love and affirmation.	Repetition, Rhetorical Question, Theme of Love

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

Device	Example	Details
Alliteration	“laugh like the letter k”	Repetition of the “l” sound creates a musical effect and emphasizes the distinct quality of Abuelito’s laughter.
Anaphora	“who… who… who…”	Repeated use of “who” at the beginning of several lines emphasizes the qualities of Abuelito and creates a rhythmic pattern in the poem.
Consonance	“Abuelito who throws coins like rain”	Repetition of the “n” sound in “coins” and “rain” creates a soft, soothing sound that mimics the falling of rain.
Euphemism	“doesn’t live here anymore”	This phrase indirectly refers to death or absence, softening the harsh reality with a gentler expression.
Hyperbole	“throws coins like rain”	Exaggeration to convey how abundant and frequent Abuelito’s generosity is, likening it to rain.
Imagery	“whose little eyes are string”	Creates a visual image of thin, tired eyes, highlighting Abuelito’s age and frailty.
Juxtaposition	“can’t come out to play”	The childish notion of playing is contrasted with Abuelito’s physical inability, emphasizing the impact of aging.
Language Switching	“who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond / who tells me in English you are my sky”	Alternation between Spanish and English reflects cultural heritage and personal connection, creating a bilingual poetic voice.
Metaphor	“who is a watch and glass of water”	Comparing Abuelito to a watch (time) and glass of water (fragility), this metaphor underscores the passage of time and his delicate condition.
Onomatopoeia	“laugh like the letter k”	The sound of laughter is compared to the sharp, distinct sound of the letter “k,” providing a sonic quality to the laughter.
Personification	“is tired shut the door”	Tiredness is personified as something that can metaphorically shut the door, suggesting the closing off from life or energy.
Repetition	“up and down up and down up and down again”	The repetitive phrasing mimics the rhythmic sound of snoring, reinforcing the cyclical nature of sleep and life.
Rhetorical Question	“who loves him who?”	A question posed for effect, not meant to be answered, emphasizing the speaker’s concern about Abuelito’s emotional state.
Simile	“throws coins like rain”	The comparison of coins to rain creates a vivid image of generosity, as if the coins are as plentiful and natural as rain.
Symbolism	“you are my diamond” / “you are my sky”	The diamond symbolizes value and preciousness, while the sky symbolizes vastness and beauty, representing the speaker’s importance to Abuelito.
Synecdoche	“whose hair is made of fur”	The reference to Abuelito’s hair (a part of him) stands in for his entire being, particularly symbolizing his aging and physical decline.
Theme (Aging)	“is too sad to come downstairs today”	This line addresses the theme of aging, portraying Abuelito as physically and emotionally unable to engage with the world as he once did.
Theme (Love and Loneliness)	“asking who loves him”	Repetition of Abuelito asking who loves him highlights his emotional vulnerability and need for love, central to the theme of loneliness.
Tone (Nostalgic)	“who used to laugh like the letter k”	The tone is nostalgic, as the speaker recalls the past vitality of Abuelito, contrasting with his current condition.
Visual Imagery	“is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes”	Descriptive details of everyday objects evoke a visual image of Abuelito, grounding the poem in familiar, domestic spaces.

Themes: “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

1. Aging and Physical Decline: A central theme of the poem is the aging and physical deterioration of Abuelito. References such as “is too sad to come downstairs today” and “sleeps in his little room all night and day” depict how his aging body confines him, preventing him from engaging with the world as he once did. The once lively and playful Abuelito, who “used to laugh like the letter k,” is now described as “sick” and “a doorknob tied to a sour stick,” symbolizing his frailty and immobility.
2. Love and Emotional Need: The theme of love, particularly the need for affirmation and emotional connection, runs through the poem. Abuelito, who once gave generously, now asks, “who loves him?” repeatedly, reflecting his emotional vulnerability. The speaker’s memories of Abuelito telling them, “you are my diamond” and “you are my sky,” emphasize the deep familial bond between them. Yet, despite this love, Abuelito’s repeated questioning suggests a longing for reassurance in his final days.
3. Loss and Absence: The theme of loss, both physical and emotional, is conveyed through Abuelito’s declining presence. The line “doesn’t live here anymore” suggests that Abuelito’s absence is either due to death or emotional withdrawal, creating a sense of mourning. He is described as “hiding underneath the bed” and as someone who “talks to me inside my head,” indicating that while physically absent, his presence still lingers in the speaker’s mind, highlighting the emotional impact of his loss.
4. Nostalgia and Memory: The poem is infused with nostalgia as the speaker recalls the Abuelito of the past who “used to laugh like the letter k” and was once vibrant and playful. This contrasts with his current state of sickness and withdrawal, making the memories of better times even more poignant. The speaker’s recollections of Abuelito throwing “coins like rain” and their intimate conversations in both Spanish and English reflect a longing for the past when Abuelito was more engaged and present in their life.

Literary Theories and “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

Literary Theory	Explanation and Application	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	This theory, based on the ideas of Freud, focuses on the psychological dimensions of characters, including unconscious desires. In “Abuelito Who,” Abuelito’s repeated question, “who loves him?” reflects his deep emotional vulnerability and need for validation, which may be interpreted as an unconscious desire for love and reassurance in the face of aging and death. Additionally, the speaker’s internalized memory of Abuelito, seen in “who talks to me inside my head,” suggests a psychological attachment and unresolved feelings about his decline.	– “who loves him” (repeated questioning of love and validation) – “talks to me inside my head” (internalized memory and attachment)
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial theory explores themes of identity, language, and cultural heritage in the context of colonization and its aftermath. In this poem, the use of both English and Spanish (“who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond / who tells me in English you are my sky”) reflects a bilingual, bicultural identity that may suggest the complex negotiation of cultural heritage. The switch between languages highlights the speaker’s connection to both their cultural roots and the dominant language, which may be seen as a reflection of postcolonial identity.	– “who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond” (Spanish language as cultural connection) – “who tells me in English you are my sky” (bilingual identity)
Feminist Theory	Feminist theory examines the representation of gender roles, power dynamics, and familial relationships. In “Abuelito Who,” the relationship between the speaker (presumably a younger family member, possibly female) and Abuelito can be analyzed through the lens of familial caregiving roles. The speaker’s role may reflect traditional expectations of emotional caregiving within the family. The intimate observations of Abuelito’s decline (e.g., “is sick,” “can’t come out to play”) could be seen as part of the nurturing, often gendered, role assigned to women and girls in caregiving contexts.	– “is too sad to come downstairs today” (role of emotional support for the aging) – “is sick” (care and observation of illness)

Critical Questions about “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

• How does Cisneros portray the emotional complexity of aging and decline in “Abuelito Who”?
• The poem presents aging as a deeply emotional process, not just a physical one. Cisneros captures the sadness, isolation, and vulnerability that accompany the decline of Abuelito’s health. The lines “is too sad to come downstairs today” and “sleeps in his little room all night and day” illustrate how aging isolates him from the family and the world around him. This withdrawal from life suggests more than just physical frailty; it points to emotional exhaustion and depression. Abuelito’s repeated plea, “who loves him?” reflects his need for reassurance and love as he confronts both physical limitations and emotional insecurities.
• What role does memory and nostalgia play in shaping the speaker’s view of Abuelito?
• Memory and nostalgia are central to the speaker’s perception of Abuelito, contrasting his past vitality with his present frailty. The speaker recalls a time when Abuelito “used to laugh like the letter k” and “throws coins like rain,” which evoke a sense of joy and abundance from the past. These memories highlight the difference between who Abuelito once was and who he has become. The use of nostalgia here serves to intensify the speaker’s sorrow and longing for the man Abuelito used to be, emphasizing the emotional weight of his decline and absence.
• How does the use of language in both Spanish and English influence the cultural identity of the speaker and Abuelito?
• The bilingual use of Spanish and English in the poem reflects the cultural identity and heritage of both the speaker and Abuelito. The lines “who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond” and “who tells me in English you are my sky” show how language is a bridge between their relationship, with Spanish representing cultural intimacy and English suggesting a broader, external world. This linguistic duality highlights the complexity of the speaker’s identity, caught between two cultures. The choice to convey love and affection in both languages also reflects the speaker’s close relationship with Abuelito, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in their bond.
• What is the significance of the recurring question, “who loves him?” in the poem?
• The recurring question “who loves him?” serves as a central theme in the poem, highlighting Abuelito’s emotional fragility and need for validation. As Abuelito ages and becomes physically confined, his desire for reassurance grows more pronounced. This question reflects a deep existential concern—whether he is still valued and loved, especially as his health deteriorates. His physical decline has likely diminished his former roles and actions, leading to an emotional crisis where he seeks affirmation from those around him. The question underscores the human need for love and connection, especially in the face of aging and death.

Literary Works Similar to “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

1. “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden
   This poem, like “Abuelito Who,” explores familial love, unspoken sacrifices, and the complex emotions of remembering a loved one’s past actions.
2. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
   Both poems address themes of aging and impending death, with a focus on the emotional struggle of losing a loved one to illness or decline.
3. “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke
   Similar to Cisneros’ poem, this work reflects on a complex relationship with an older male family figure, blending love and hardship in memories.
4. “Grandfather” by Nikki Giovanni
   Giovanni’s poem shares a nostalgic tone and focuses on the speaker’s reflections on the love and wisdom of an aging grandparent, similar to Cisneros’ portrayal of Abuelito.
5. “The Lanyard” by Billy Collins
   Both poems focus on the theme of familial bonds, specifically between a child and an elder, and how those relationships are shaped by love and memory.

Representative Quotations of “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Abuelito who throws coins like rain”	This introduces Abuelito, highlighting his generosity in a poetic, almost mythic manner.	Symbolism/Marxist Theory – Represents abundance and economic generosity, but also fleeting wealth.
“who is dough and feathers”	Abuelito is described as soft and fragile, emphasizing his aging physical state.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Represents the fragility of life and the softening of identity through aging.
“who is a watch and glass of water”	A metaphor comparing Abuelito to time and fragility, highlighting his limited time left.	Existentialism – Reflects the temporality and fragility of human life.
“is too sad to come downstairs today”	Abuelito is too emotionally or physically exhausted to join his family.	Feminist Theory – Reflects gendered expectations of emotional caregiving roles in family structures.
“who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond”	Abuelito expresses affection through his native language, symbolizing cultural connection.	Postcolonial Theory – The use of Spanish indicates the importance of cultural heritage and identity.
“who tells me in English you are my sky”	Abuelito uses English to express love, showing linguistic duality.	Linguistic Theory/Bilingualism – Highlights the balance of cultural and linguistic identities.
“whose little eyes are string”	His eyes are metaphorically reduced to thin strings, reflecting his frailty.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Emphasizes the diminishment of vitality through aging.
“who used to laugh like the letter k”	Reflects on Abuelito’s past joy and vitality, now a distant memory.	Nostalgia – Captures the speaker’s longing for Abuelito’s former liveliness.
“doesn’t live here anymore”	Implies Abuelito’s physical or emotional absence, possibly death.	Euphemism/Existentialism – Represents death in a softer, indirect manner.
“who loves him who?”	Repeated question emphasizing Abuelito’s need for love and validation in his declining years.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Reflects deep emotional need for reassurance and affirmation.

Suggested Readings: “Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros

1. Athanases, Steven Z., et al. “Family Gumbo: Urban Students Respond to Contemporary Poets of Color.” The English Journal, vol. 81, no. 5, 1992, pp. 45–54. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/819894. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
2. Ganz, Robin. “Sandra Cisneros: Border Crossings and Beyond.” MELUS, vol. 19, no. 1, 1994, pp. 19–29. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/467785. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
3. Pearce, Richard. “SANDRA CISNEROS (1954– ).” The Columbia Companion to the Twentieth-Century American Short Story, edited by Blanche H. Gelfant and Lawrence Graver, Columbia University Press, 2000, pp. 205–09. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7312/gelf11098.38. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
4. Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs. “Sandra Cisneros and Her Trade of the Free Word.” Rocky Mountain Review of Language and Literature, vol. 60, no. 2, 2006, pp. 23–36. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/4143855. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.