In Broken Chain Alfonso Tries To Straighten His Crooked Teeth
"Broken Chain" is a short story by Gary Soto, which revolves around a young boy named Alfonso who has a crush on a girl named Sandra. In the story, Alfonso is self-conscious about his crooked teeth and tries to straighten them out with a chain. The story explores themes of love, self-esteem, and the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty.
The Pressure to Conform
Alfonso's insecurities about his teeth stem from the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty. He is constantly comparing himself to others and feeling inferior because of his crooked teeth. This pressure to conform is something that many people can relate to, especially in today's society where social media and advertising perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards.
Love and Self-Esteem
Alfonso's crush on Sandra is a driving force in the story, and his desire to impress her leads him to try to straighten his teeth. His love for Sandra is also tied to his self-esteem, as he sees her as someone who could validate his worth as a person. This highlights the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, as relying on external validation can be damaging to one's self-esteem.
The Chain as a Symbol
The chain that Alfonso uses to try to straighten his teeth is a symbol of his desperation to conform to societal standards of beauty. It also represents the lengths that people will go to in order to fit in and be accepted. The chain ultimately fails to straighten his teeth, but it serves as a reminder that trying to change oneself to fit in is a futile effort.
The Importance of Acceptance
The story ultimately highlights the importance of self-acceptance and acceptance of others. Alfonso learns to accept himself for who he is, crooked teeth and all, and realizes that true love and friendship are based on acceptance rather than physical appearance. This message is particularly relevant in today's society, where the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty can be overwhelming.
Conclusion
"Broken Chain" is a powerful story that explores themes of love, self-esteem, and the pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty. Through the character of Alfonso, the story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and acceptance of others. It is a reminder that true beauty comes from within and that we should not let external pressures dictate our self-worth.