![]() ![]() What stage in Esperanza’s life does this story capture, and how is this stage portrayed? What kind of person is Esperanza? What does the reader learn from this story about her strengths and weaknesses? To what degree is Esperanza aware of sex and sexuality? What does this indicate to the reader about her age? What is the importance of names? How does Esperanza portray names in this story in comparison to her own name in “My Name”? How has her narrative voice changed from that earlier story? How does Esperanza keep her dreams alive? Does she hold any religious beliefs? How does Esperanza’s portrait of Alicia compare to her portrait of Marin? What do these portraits indicate about the differences between the two girls, and about Esperanza herself? How has Esperanza’s relationships with Alicia changed since “Cathy Queen of Cats”? How are children regarded in Esperanza’s community? What do these and other titles in the book convey about the people and the life surrounding Esperanza? What kind of tone do these longer titles set for the story? What do they suggest about Esperanza’s character? Like “Rafaela Who Drinks Coconut & Papaya Juice on Tuesdays,” the title of this story is long and filled with detail. ![]() “There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know What to Do” What is the picture of the neighborhood that Esperanza paints for the reader? Does this picture change the reader’s perception of the neighborhood from this point on in the book?ġ2. How does Esperanza’s view of herself compare to her perception of how others view her? How do Esperanza’s vivid similes such as those in this story (“the nose of that yellow Cadillac was all pleated like an alligator’s” ) or those in “Laughter” (“ice cream bells’ giggle” or laughter “like a pile of dishes breaking” ) set the tone throughout the novel? As Esperanza matures, does her use of simile change?ĭoes Marin dream of sex, romance or love, or all three? What are her goals? How does Esperanza position herself vis-á-vis Marin, and what is her opinion of Marin? Can she identify with Marin, and how might Marin be or not be a role model for Esperanza? How do the residents of Mango Street interact with one another?ĩ. What makes Esperanza want the music box, and why is she ashamed of wanting it? How does her reaction to the box differ from Nenny’s reaction, and what does this difference tell the reader about the difference between the two girls? As in “Hairs” and “Laughter,” how does Esperanza separate herself from her family? What common traits does Esperanza share with Nenny, and how does she distinguish herself from Nenny? Why is Cathy’s family about to move, and what does this mean to Esperanza?Īt this stage of her life, what are Esperanza’s friendships based on, and what do her friends mean to her? Does she fit in with an older or younger crowd, and how does she feel about her place in the social hierarchy? What does Esperanza find shameful or burdensome about her name? Why might Cisneros have chosen this name for her protagonist? What binds a family together in The House on Mango Street? In describing her house, or where she lives, what does Esperanza convey about her self-identity? How is the description of her house different from other information about her and her family’s identity, such as a name, an occupation, or a physical description? Why might Cisneros have chosen to open the book with a description of Esperanza’s house? For discussion of the individual stories in THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET ![]() We hope the following introduction, discussion questions, suggested reading list, and author biography enhance your group’s reading of this exceptional work.ġ. This landmark story collection relates the triumphant coming-of-age of young Esperanza Cordero who finds her own voice and inner potential to overcome the impediments of poverty, gender, and her Chicana-American heritage. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros has been recognized by critics, professors, and readers alike as one of most important contributions to modern literature. rich with music and picture.” –Gwendolyn Brooks “Sandra Cisneros is one of the most brilliant of today’s young writers. ![]()
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