1. Real Women Have Curves Women as sovereign subjects v. traditional Mexican values Screenwriter Josefina Lopez Lupe Ontiveros and America Ferrara

2. Self Image through Ana Believes in her beauty, internal and external. Coming of age on her own terms Listens to her inner-voice, conscience Downplays her weight Aspires to practice her independence

3. Self Image through Carmen Should be ashamed of her weight Also fat, hates her image Women should aspire to catch a man, have a family. Ana should follow her footsteps

4. Sexuality, through Ana Open to pre-marital sex, not promiscuous Planning for sex with her boyfriend (Jimmy) Clandestine meetings with boyfriend (through grandfather) Buys condoms Sexuality is to be enjoyed, celebrated

5. Sexuality through Carmen Insists on virginity Would disapprove of Jimmy (Anglo and pre-marital sex) Women should be virgins for their husbands Find a man, get married, have children

6. Female roles through Ana Aspires to advance Aspires to move, attend college Break free from mother’s expectations Break free from Estela’s obligations Develop independence

7. Female Roles through Carmen Opposed to education, moving from home Follow her example Loyalty to family, personal ambition is secondary Work in dress factory-family business Look attractive, get a man, have children

8. The Symbolic Trinity Grandfather: –Advises Ana to progress –Free spirited, defies stereotypes –Arranges clandestine visits with Jimmy

9. The Symbolic Trinity Mr Guzman: –Her high school teacher/counselor –Advises her to aspire to college –Informs her of her acceptance and scholarship to Columbia University

10. The Symbolic Trinity Jimmy: –Ana’s first sex partner –A part of Ana’s rebellion, as Anglo and sex partner –Collectively represent the possibilities, the male roles in society extended to Ana.