Sirena Selena

It is not often that a reader finds a text so full on information in the first hundred pages of reading. This text is one of those rare types. I have noticed that Sirena Selena is broken up into several themes or focus points throughout the story. The most important ones seem to be identity, motherhood, religion and money. 

Identity

When the author describes the inception of Sirena and Martha Divine's relationship she writes that Martha was responsible for "transform[ing] him into what he really was". At the time Sirena was a young boy so I can't help but to think that Martha transformed him into what she wanted him to be instead of who he articulated that he was. Having come from a background of loss and pain, it is understandable that the young man would find solace in a motherly figure who takes on the role of teacher and developer. Still, they both seem unsure of themselves. During the landing and initial arrival in DR, they both express some anxiety about being found out. First, Martha has a slight panic attack when she remembers a fellow transvestite who had a negative flying experience when her sex was revealed to airport security guards. Later, Sirena begins to sweat profusely as she walks through the airport. Notice that I wrote earlier that Martha's friend's sex was revealed and not her identity. In this text it is clear that sex/gender have nothing to do with identity. 

Motherhood

As an orphan, Sirena has no mother to speak of except for Martha. Although the author notes that Martha is happy that she "never allowed herself to be conquered by motherhood", it is clear to the reader that she takes pride in her relationship with the boy. At the airport when Sirena is afraid, Martha ignores her own fear for a moment and comforts the young man with encouraging words. The author mentions motherhood again at this point when she refers to Martha's actions as "motherly instinct". Here again, identity is not defined by gender or sex. Identity between these two characters is completely defined by emotions that are embedded in the characters.

Religion

I was surprised to find so many religious references in this text. Many people seem to disassociate religion and sexuality when it appears in relationships outside of what is the "norm" in society. Sirena is deeply religious in that a whole chapter of the text is dedicated to her prayer. She acknowledges that she has sinned but she is also vocal about the fact that sins have been lodged against her.  Her relationship with her higher power can even be compared to that of a barter system. She expresses her desires and she offers gifts in return. What I find even more interesting is the fact that the prayer is so honest. Sirena seems to be saying that she knows that the gift granted to her is a privilege and not a right. Thus, she is humbled by the fact that she may not be able to sing beautifully and may fail in her endeavors.

Money

In this text as in life, money opens doors. Martha needs money to complete her physical transformation and to create a better life for herself and Sirena. In addition to doing things that will benefit her and Sirena, Martha wants to ensure the safety of her girls and her business. Martha makes her desire for money clear when she says of the things that she needs, "money, money, money". Sirena is probably the most valuable thing in Martha's life as her voice is the tool by which they will incur riches.