50 pages • 1 hour read
Sonia ManzanoThe Revolution of Evelyn Serrano
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Themes
Affirming One’s Cultural Identity
Sonia Manzano’s The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano delves into the experiences of a young Latina grappling with her cultural identity. Evelyn, the protagonist, navigates a complex world where the societal pressures to assimilate clash with her burgeoning sense of pride and militancy within the Puerto Rican community. The novel explores this theme through Evelyn’s evolving relationship with her family, her community, and her own self-perception.
Evelyn’s internalized sense of inferiority regarding her cultural background is evident throughout her self-criticism and her apathy toward her community. She constantly judges her physical appearance through a Eurocentric lens, striving to straighten her hair to achieve a more socially acceptable texture and adopting “the least Puerto Ricansounding name” possible (14). A similar phenomenon takes place in the Puerto Rican community, with Mrs. Serrano reinforcing this negativity by referring to curly, coiled hair as “bad hair,” thereby perpetuating a beauty standard that disparages Afro-Latinx features. Such choices reflect a deep-seated aversion to non-white features within Evelyn’s world, casting them are somehow inferior and consequently influencing her self-perception.
Evelyn’s discomfort extends beyond her physical appearance, as the narrative also offers glimpses into the protagonist’s initial disdain for her surroundings. For example, she describes her revulsion at the oppressive summer heat and the unpleasant odor of garbage that permeates the neighborhood. Through Evelyn’s lens, El Barrio appears simply as an impoverished, stagnant place, lacking in opportunities for growth or improvement. She observes the “usual scene” of people going about their daily routines, suggesting a never-ending cycle in the poverty-stricken area. Evelyn’s aversion to her heritage generates an unwillingness to engage with her Puerto Rican community and an aversion to bonding with other Latinx individuals. When her coworker Lydia identifies herself as Dominican, attempting to connect with Evelyn through a shared experience, Evelyn’s dismissiveness is evident in her curt, thoughtless response: “So what do you want, a medal for being Dominican?” (28). Her lack of interest in forging connections within her own Latinx community alienates Lydia and prevents Evelyn from understanding the broader cultural identity that she is currently resisting.
Abuela and the Young Lords emerge as key figures in Evelyn’s exploration of her cultural identity. Abuela’s openness and willingness to share stories of Puerto Rican resistance movements provide insights into her community’s history of activism, strengthening Evelyn’s connection to her heritage. The Young Lords, on the other hand, introduce Evelyn to the social injustices plaguing El Barrio, igniting her growing awareness of the challenges faced by her community. Although her family’s skepticism initially creates her doubts, Evelyn is drawn to the Young Lords’ ideals and their fight for social justice. By taking part in the initiatives organized by the group, such as the history lessons her grandmother teaches, Evelyn is faced with questions that she never critically considered in the past. This newfound knowledge fosters a sense of cultural pride that shatters her previous ignorance. As she states, “I never thought of Puerto Ricans as having history. How stupid is that?” (158). This realization underscores the transformative power of both Abuela’s guidance and the Young Lords’ activism in awakening Evelyn to the richness and resilience of her community, and ultimately, her role within it.
The Importance of Critically Examining History
Sonia Manzano explores the importance of critically examining history on both a personal and societal level. Through Evelyn’s journey of self-discovery, the narrative emphasizes the fact that confronting the past, both familial and social, is essential for understanding oneself and one’s place in the community. Evelyn’s journey of self-discovery is therefore deeply intertwined with her exploration of her family history, particularly the divisive truths surrounding her grandfather’s involvement in the Ponce Massacre and her grandmother’s subsequent neglect of her daughter in her pursuit of activism. These revelations generate confusion and frustration for Evelyn but also ignite her desire to learn more about her community and family. Evelyn eventually comes to realize that learning about her heritage—whether factual or familial—is ultimately an exploration of herself.
To her mother’s initial disapproval, Evelyn’s lack of interest in her heritage is disrupted by her grandmother’s arrival, for Abuela tells Evelyn stories from her time in Puerto Rico, generating conflict around Evelyn’s grandfather’s participation in the Ponce Massacre. Countering Mrs. Serrano’s heated objections to the description of this family history and what she terms as “lies” about Evelyn’s grandfather, Abuela declares, “I am just showing Evelyn about herself“ (12). This disagreement between Mrs. Serrano and Abuela highlights the discomfort surrounding the family’s past and their differing perspectives on how to address it. Evelyn’s grandmother seeks to educate her about their history, while her mother attempts to shield her from the potentially damaging truth about her grandfather’s involvement.
However, the process of uncovering the truth, however uncomfortable the experience may be, allows Evelyn to gain a more complete picture of her family and her community. By examining her family history, Evelyn gains a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped her own identity. The discovery of the Ponce Massacre photos compels her to confront the legacy of colonialism and violence in Puerto Rico that still impact the social and economic challenges that her community now faces. Additionally, through her involvement with the Young Lords, Evelyn learns about the history of Puerto Rican activism and resistance. The Young Lords’ connection to a global fight for liberation empowers her to see herself as part of a larger movement for social change. Finally, by critically examining her family and community history, Evelyn develops a more nuanced understanding of both. She recognizes the diversity of experiences within El Barrio, and this shift in perspective allows her to move beyond simplistic stereotypes and build a stronger sense of community solidarity even as she works to overcome the generational wounds in her family. Thus, the novel suggests that confronting the past is a necessary step toward reconciliation and healing for families and communities alike.
The Power of Community Activism
The Young Lords’ presence in El Barrio is marked by immediate and tangible benefits for residents. Their initiatives, such as the free breakfast program and the clothing drive, address the pressing needs of those facing economic hardship or neglect. Angel, a young boy struggling with his health and a difficult home environment, benefits from the direct impact of their programs. The Young Lords provide him with essential medical care, including a visit to a doctor that results in a tuberculosis diagnosis. This not only improves his physical well-being but also suggests a level of care and concern beyond simply addressing his immediate symptoms. Angel’s newfound sense of security and belonging within the supportive environment provided by the Young Lords further exemplifies the group’s attentiveness to his needs. Angel’s remarks about the programs organized by “the community that loves” him highlight the Young Lords’ holistic approach to community support (158), a stark contrast to Angel’s previous isolation and vulnerability.
The Young Lords’ church takeover serves as a powerful symbol of community mobilization. This event transcends local boundaries, drawing Puerto Ricans from across the city and fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose. This influx of visitors signifies the movement’s significance beyond the neighborhood, emphasizing its broader impact on Puerto Rican identity and activism. The media attention garnered further amplifies their message, drawing attention to the injustices faced by the community. Evelyn’s mother and Angel’s father are initially skeptical of the Young Lords, but even they demonstrate a growing acceptance of the Young Lords’ role in advocating for the community. This shift highlights the group’s ability to bridge divides and create a true sense of community among its members.
Evelyn’s admiration for the Young Lords’ passion and commitment to social justice becomes a catalyst for a deeper connection with her Puerto Rican community. Attending Abuela’s history classes, residents learn about their cultural heritage and past struggles against oppression, and this experience dismantles Evelyn’s internalized biases. These classes expose critical gaps in her understanding of her own identity. For the first time, she questions her ingrained desire to assimilate into white American culture, finally recognizing that this desire is fueled by societal pressures and an internalized discomfort with her own heritage. Evelyn’s newfound sense of belonging empowers her to find her voice and fight for a more just future—not just for herself, but for her entire community. Evelyn’s reflection on the “bigger fight out there” resonates with this transformation (180). She no longer feels like a detached observer; instead, she sees herself as a vital part of a collective struggle, ready to use her voice to make a difference in her community.
