Alvarez illustrates how language can shape an individual's sense of belonging and how being bilingual can create both barriers and opportunities. The poem also explores the complexity of identity, particularly for those who are part of multiple cultural backgrounds.
Moreover, the sestina form, with its strictly structured repetitions, adds another layer of meaning to the poem. The repetition of certain words and phrases highlights the ongoing tension and interplay between the two languages and cultures that the speaker navigates.
Overall, "Bilingual Sestina" offers a poignant and personal reflection on the experience of being bilingual and bicultural, capturing the multifaceted nature of identity and the challenges of finding a place of belonging in a multicultural society.