The Power of Language

In Judith Ortiz Cofer’s memoir, Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer, the selection “My Rosetta” depicts a real story in her life and she would like to share it. This piece takes place in the basement of the church where Cofer would have classes for Confirmation. In “My Rosetta” it talks about her mentor Sister Rosetta. I believe the main reason for this piece was to reveal the influence Sister Rosetta had on her as an adolescent. When Sister Rosetta saw Judith reading about sex she didn’t have her stop reading but provided her with the knowledge that there are other things in the world that she hasn’t been given the chance to learn. Therefore, Sister Rosetta gave her books that allowed Judith to think. She gave Cofer books about the world that were seen through different author’s eyes. Sister Rosetta gave Judith the power of knowledge which lies in seeking the answer to the question she can always ask: why? The significance of this piece was a way for readers to get a glimpse of how Judith Cofer came to be. Sister Rosetta helped Judith see everything with her whole self and not just through her eyes. Cofer said that she was introduced by her mentor the seductive power of language at a time when she truly needed someone like Sister Rosetta in her life.  My evaluation for “My Rosetta” is astonishing how a Sister refused to conform to the society around her. Sister Rosetta gave Judith the power to attain more knowledge about the world and recognize that one can learn anything they wish too. I believe it to be interesting that Sister Rosetta had a significant role in shaping who she is a writer and as a person. I hope to one day meet a mentor like Sister Rosetta who will have a great impact on my life.