Final answer:
The character Elena in 'American History' realizes she is different from her peers, mirroring the self-realization that has influenced many writers, like Sandra Cisneros, to use their unique perspectives to give voice to underrepresented experiences in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short story “American History” by Judith Ortiz Cofer, Elena’s striking realization is that she is different from her classmates and the society she is living in. This realization is similar to insights that have spurred the journeys of other writers. For instance, Sandra Cisneros had a similar epiphany in college, which encouraged her to embark on a writing path that embraced her unique experiences and perspectives. These insights mirror the experiences depicted in literature of individuals grappling with their identities and the stigmatization from society. Harding Davis's novella invites readers to acknowledge and confront the social realities of the working class, while Keller's comparison illustrates a personal journey through struggle.
Ideas about identity and belonging are recurring themes in American literature and play a crucial role in the development of protagonists, urging them to find their voices. Writers like Cisneros have taken these personal revelations and translated them into literary works that offer fresh perspectives and challenge traditional narratives. Self-realization has been a catalyst for many writers to craft stories that provide a voice to the voiceless and reveal the multifaceted nature of the human experience.