Within Sandra Cisneros's "Caramelo," the symbol of the rebozo, a traditional Mexican shawl, carries layers of significance that enrich the narrative. Conventionally, the rebozo represents femininity, cultural heritage, and familial ties in Mexican culture. However, in the context of Cisneros's story, it transcends these conventional meanings to symbolize the complexities of identity, heritage, and the intergenerational transmission of traditions and secrets.
Throughout the narrative, the rebozo serves as a tangible link between the past and the present, connecting the protagonist, Celaya, to her Mexican heritage and the matriarchal lineage of her family. Passed down from generation to generation,
