Cinderella’s Secret Dream by Ena Lucia Portela is a short story that constructs very interesting characters. Especially, the protagonist Cleis. The author gave powerful attributes to this character. Cleis is a young smart girl who does not allow men to abuse her. She is not afraid of denying men and she knows what she wants. I found her reaction very impressive when the wealthy man wanted to abuse her and she defended herself. This part of the story portrayed how strong the female character is. Moreover, Cleis’ life is described as quite complicated full of inequality and abuse. Yet, the character fulfils her dream of becoming a radio actress despite the obstacles. This part framed women as capable of being successful if they fight for their dreams. I liked very much how the author, through the creation of Cleis, portrayed a powerful image, emphasizing that no matter what, women are capable of anything.

On the other hand, I found the narrator quite intriguing. It is clear that she is a character witnessing the events of the story, and therefore, tells the story from an engaging perspective. Moreover. I also noticed various library devices, such as simile and metaphors. I quite enjoyed the way the author described and created a powerful context by the use of literary devices. 

Overall, I liked the story very much. I was not expecting such an ending, but I am satisfied with Portela bringing into life a strong female character who trusts in herself and carries power. Cleis represents an image of strength and self-determination; she demonstrates that women should defend themselves and seek their dream independently. Women do not need men to be successful in life.

The author uses the first-person narrator and witness, which at first is a bit confusing as you expect the point of view to be that of Cleis. Later she gives us a clue “Now Regan, she was really ugly: short, scrawny, and humpbacked, with beady eyes like an owl” (p. 1, line 19-20) and at the very end “As for me, Regan, I’m still here in our town, observing life with my owl eyes.”(p. 5, line 25).
Lucía describes Regan´s eyes as owl’s eyes, owls are associated with being observant, silent, and calm. And well the narrator turns out to be that owl’s point of view (Regan), the correlation to what the author is trying to portray (gender violence) to this character could be seen in the silence of the sister, how she casually brings up the femicide of her sister but quickly turns the attention away, and the lack of sorority between women (she knew that Cleis was assaulted but she didn’t bother to stand against the marriage of her sister).
The tone Regan employs to tell the story, especially the way she describes herself is indifferent, almost as if she meant nothing. One of the phrases that moved me the most was “After all, who’d listen to me?”(p. 1. line 6), she sees herself as less and unworthy, “As for me, I had no illusions about my chances seducing the tycoon.” (p. 3, line 12). That’s why I (and maybe most of us) as readers never expected the narrator to be Regan. Who would criticize herself in that way? Those unattainable beauty standards are not a measure of how much you are worth, but then again that’s what society has led us to believe.