Esperanza
This is Esperanza’s primary talent and hobby, which her mother and Aunt Lupe encourage her to keep doing.
What is writing/poetry?
These are the items Cathy's family owns "thousands" of, though they are moving away because the neighborhood is "getting bad."
What are cats?
This protagonist’s name means "hope" in Spanish but is often compared to a "muddy color" or the "waiting" her grandmother did.
Who is Esperanza?
This color is used to describe the house on Mango Street, which is small and crumbling.
What is red?
This is the author of The House on Mango Street.
Who is Sandra Cisneros?
Why does Esperanza want to get out of Mango Street but feels compelled to return?
She wants to find a house of her own but feels as if she is responsible for those who can't others.
In "The Monkey Garden," Esperanza gets angry because Sally is playing a game to get these back from a group of boys.
What are keys?
I am Esperanza’s younger sister; I am often an embarrassment to her, but we share the same "thick and straight" hair.
Who is Nenny?
These four objects "reach and do not forget to reach," inspiring Esperanza to survive.
What are the four skinny trees?
The novel is written in this style, consisting of short, poetic scenes.
What are vignettes?
What does the "real house" symbolize to Esperanza?
Liberty, creative-freedom and confidence
This object, owned by Gil at the junk store, makes a beautiful sound but is "not for sale."
What is a music box?
I am the "smart one" who studies at the university and sees the mice that my father says aren't there.
Who is Alicia?
In Spanish, Esperanza’s name is said to mean this; in English, it means "hope.
What is sadness/waiting
This literary device is used when Esperanza says her name is "a muddy color."
What is a metaphor?
How does Esperanza's relationship with her name affect her identity?
Her name serves as a burdensome and longs for a new one that would better suit her.
Esperanza is embarrassed to dance at a baptism because she is wearing her old school shoes instead of these.
What are pink dress shoes/chanclas?
am the neighbor who still plays with dolls and likes to dance on the roof because I haven't quite "grown up."
Who is Ruthie?
These three mysterious characters tell Esperanza that she must "remember to come back" for those she leaves behind.
Who are the Three Sisters?
The book is dedicated "A Las Mujeres," which means this in English.
What is "To the Women"?
At the end of the book, Esperanza realizes that the house she truly wants is not on Mango Street, but "a house all my own" that contains these two specific things.
What are books and paper?
Marin's luck is often tied to these—small objects she sells for Avon and also "wishes" on.
What are stars/falling stars?
We are the sisters who bought a bike with Esperanza for $5 and remain her close friends throughout the book.
Who is Lucy and Rachel?
High-heeled shoes in the vignette "The Family of Little Feet" symbolize this transition.
What is the transition to adulthood/womanhood?
This German term describes a "coming-of-age" story, which this book is a classic example of
What is a Bildungsroman?