Research Paper on:
Growing Up in the Tales of Scott R. Sanders and Edward Rivera

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
these stories for pervasive themes, similarities become readily apparent. Principally, both stories speak eloquently of the way that children internalize their surroundings, taking on responsibility for the emotional life of  their families, relating problems to their own behavior. Furthermore, each writer, as he discusses one aspect of childhood, bring such detail and feeling to his topic that he draws  in the reader into the world of childhood. In each story, this unique perspective, which combines the viewpoint of the adult writer with the memories of a child, gives  the reader an insightful look into the problems and perspective of childhood. Edward Riveras Family Installments, in which "First Communion" appears, is a novel, a chronicle of the Malanguez  family, told by the viewpoint of the youngest son, Santos Malanguez. The novel relates what it is like to grow Hispanic in Spanish Harlem in New York City. In  "First Communion," Rivera relates in great detail the circumstances of Santos receiving his First Communion, as well as his first years in Catholic school. Sister Felicia, who teaches Santos, takes  him and several children whose families are on welfare out shopping and purchases them all First Communion outfits. The young protagonist of this work experiences guilt and embarrassment over  this fact that is akin to the shame that Sanders feels over his fathers drinking. When asked if his First Communion clothes were purchased for him by Sister Felicia,  Rivera writes, "I held my breath and kicked his fat foot, and told him without exhaling, that it was none of his business: What the hells it to  you, Grippe?" (1982, p. 95). The other boy is quickly triumphant, as he asserts that Santos cannot receive First Communion because he cursed in church. From Riveras excellent writing,