“English outside this door, Spanish inside,” he said, “y basta.” But who can divide
the world, the word (mundo y palabra) from any child?
Espaillat is a thinker, a philosopher of her reality. She understands her father’s attachment to culture and language. When he arrives, he’s an adult, and it’s difficult to let go. At seven, Espaillat is young, and this new land becomes her home. The English language, now belongs to her. Rhina is an international citizen, one that wears all the skin tones and speaks all languages and dances to all cultures. Espaillat knows that culture and language shouldn’t divide Like Sylvia, Espaillat finds a passion in poetry. Both poets are and are young and ambitious. But the restrictions are bigger for Espaillat, she is Hispanic. Hispanic and a woman, yet she seems to possess more hope than Plath. This has to do with her upbringing. Although, Espaillat’s father isn’t willing to incorporate himself into the American culture and wants her to keep her Spanish uncorrupted from the English language, he is a caring father. In an interview, for the University of Baltimore, Espaillat is asked if she’s giving up hope by not believing in a God. She