TRUSTED SOLUTIONS
SECTION 1 – Essay Preparation
1. Read the poem, “Stereotypes”, written by Paulette Martinez, and
available from this website link:
https://hellopoetry.com/poem/1495420/stereotypes/
In a paragraph of no more than 500 words, reflect on the following questions:
What is the theme of this poem? How is the theme developed?
What metaphors are used in the poem?
Which stereotype is illustrated in the poem?
What other literary elements are used to illustrate the stereotype?
What feelings are expressed in the poem? Use or quote examples from
the poem to illustrate how these feelings are conveyed.
What do we learn about stereotypes and their effects on people through
this poem?
An Analytical Reflection on “Stereotypes” by Paulette Martinez
The poem “Stereotypes” by Paulette Martinez is a deeply personal and evocative
commentary on the dangers, emotional consequences, and societal pervasiveness
of racial and cultural stereotyping. Through the voice of the speaker, Martinez
explores how generalized assumptions based on appearance, ethnicity, or origin
reduce individual identity to shallow labels, stripping people of their humanity and
dignity. The poem powerfully captures the inner turmoil and resistance of someone
caught in the crosshairs of such biases, utilizing vivid metaphors, emotive
language, and other literary techniques to expose the corrosive nature of
stereotypes in everyday life.
Theme and Theme Development
The central theme of the poem is the harmful nature of racial and ethnic
stereotypes, especially those directed toward people of Latinx descent. This theme
is developed through a first-person narrative in which the speaker directly
confronts the reader or an implied audience who makes assumptions based on her
appearance, speech, or cultural background. The poem begins by challenging the
act of assuming someone’s character or worth based on a single glance: