Characters
Who is Esperanza?
The young protagonist and narrator who dreams of having her own house
What is Mango Street?
The specific street where Esperanza's family moves at the beginning of the book.
Esperanza and her friends chip in five dollars to buy this shared item.
What is a bicycle
Primary reason Esperanza’s family moves to Mango Street rather than staying in their previous home.
What is because they finally wanted to own a house instead of paying rent to a landlord
These represent growing up and the danger of being beautiful.
What are high heels
Who is Nenny?
Esperanza’s younger sister, who she often feels responsible for
What is Chicago?
The city where the story is set
The girls are given these items by a neighbor, which makes them feel grown-up and attracts unwanted attention.
What are high-heeled shoes
Esperanza experiences this "rising action" event at her first job where an older man tricks her into an uncomfortable encounter.
What is a forced kiss
These represent Esperanza strong and out of place in the city
What are the four skinny trees
Who is Rosa Vargas?
The neighbor who has "too many kids" and is overwhelmed by her life.
The cultural heritage of Esperanza and most of her neighbors.
What is Mexican/Chicano
Esperanza’s first job, where she experiences an uncomfortable encounter with an older man.
What is the Peter Pan Photo Finishers
A major turning point occurs in the Monkey Garden when Esperanza tries to save this friend from a group of boys only to be humiliated herself.
Who is Sally
These symbolize the many trapped women in the neighborhood
What are windows
Who is Alicia?
A friend of Esperanza who studies at the university to escape her father’s control.
What is small, red, and crumbling (with tight steps)?
This is what Esperanza’s house actually looks like, as opposed to her dream house.
The reason Esperanza’s family had to leave their previous apartment on Loomis
What is a broken water pipe
Considered the tragic climax of the book this event happens to Esperanza at a local carnival while she is waiting for Sally.
What is she is sexually assaulted/raped
This represents the burden of heritage and Esperanza's desire to change
What is her name
Who are the Three Sisters?
The mysterious sisters who tell Esperanza she must "come back for the ones who cannot leave."
Who is Sandra Cisneros?
The author who wrote this classic coming-of-age novel.
The tragic event that happens to Geraldo "No Last Name" after meeting Marin at a dance.
What is a hit-and-run car accident
In the resolution Esperanza meets three mysterious sisters at a wake who give her advice about her future.
What is that she must come back for the ones who cannot leave
This symbolizes Esperanzas dream of freedom and self-expression.
What is a house