In the short story “Woman Hollering Creek” by Sandra Cisneros the conscious use of symbolism in each character’s name is obvious and helps portray themes central to the story. However one name in particular, that of the protagonist helps develop the character and both foreshadows her growth as well as provides the reader context into the decisions she makes.

The name Cleofilas, means to seek or love “glory”. When we first are introduced to Cleofilas she is positioned to be in love, excited for what her future has to offer. We are further presented with her love for the telenovela, and the relationships and lifestyle they portray. We can see her projecting this onto her own circumstances and seeking this type of ideal or dream life of her own.

As the story progresses we see this ideal, glorious lifestyle she envisioned slip away from her as her realities set in. She goes as far as to recognize all the negatives in her life, comparing her husband, an abusive man, to the relationships she would see in her telenovelas. This contrast is important, as we see the harm that the dream ideal lifestyle has caused Cleofilas.

The idea of glory and the image telenovelas provide her provides commentary that is still very much relevant today. We see the media portrayal of ideal as something to strive for no matter the consequences. Further cultural pressures kept Cleofilas in these circumstances, as is portrayed in these stories, despite the obvious pitfalls of her relationship.

Despite all of this, the drive and courage to seek glory alluded to be her name comes to fruition in the end of the story, where she ultimately makes the decision to leave her abuse for a better life.