The Author
Facts About Book
Story Details
What type of Figurative Language?
Central Ideas
100
Who wrote the book "The House on Mango Street
What is Sandra Cisneros
100

The author used this type of device instead of chapters when she wrote "The House on Mango Street"

Vignette

100

In "Beautiful & Cruel", Esperanza talks about her sister who has "pretty eyes". What is Esperanza's sister's name?

Nenny

100

“Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor” (Cisneros 9).

Metaphor

100
How can we define a central idea?

Like a theme or lesson from the story, a central idea describes the human experience represented in the story. 

200

What city did Sandra Cisneros grow up in?

Chicago

200

Who is the narrator of the book? Who is telling this story?

Esperanza

200
In "Laughter" who are the two sisters that Nenny and Esperanza hang out with?

Rachel and Lucy

200

“...windows so small you’d think they were holding their breath” (Cisneros 4)

Personification

200

What should a central idea NOT include?

It does not contain any character names or specific plot details. It should be a general human experience that can be applied to multiple stories.

300

Where are Cisneros' parents / ancestors from? 

Mexico 

(Father is from Mexico, Mother is Mexican-American)

300

According to the intro video, why did Sandra Cisneros write this book? 

She didn't see other stories with her family, her house, her neighborhood. She wanted to publish a book that connected with her life.

300

Explain 2 things we learn about the character Alicia from "Alicia Who Sees Mice"

- Alicia has to wake up early to make lunches

- Her mother died

- She studies for university, doesn't want to work in a factory or with a rolling pin (at home)

- She is afraid of mice and fathers


300

"Dead cars appeared over night like mushrooms" (Cisneros, 95)

Simile

300

Esperanza writes that "One day I'll own my own house, but I won't forget who I am or where I came from. Passing bums will ask, Can I come in? I'll offer them the attic, ask them to stay, because I know how it is to be without a house" (87). What is a central idea for this vignette?

- Give back to those in need

-If you find success, don't forget where you came from

-It's nice to take care of others

400

What nationality is Sandra Cisneros?

American

(Sandra is second generation Mexican- American)

400

Describe TWO ways this book is styled different than other books. 

There isn't one continuous plot. Instead of chapters, there are vignettes.

Heavy reliance on figurative language

Unique sentence structure, doesn't follow the standard grammar rules. "Poetic" style

400

Who met Geraldo No Last Name at a dance? AND what happened to him?

Marin met Geraldo at a dance. But, he got killed in a hit-and-run. Hew went to the hospital, but the surgeon didn't come quickly and Geraldo had no identification; Geraldo died. 

400

“The one with the marbled hands called me aside. Esperanza. She held my face with her blue-veined hands” (Cisneros 105).

Imagery

400

What is the central idea of "A Smart Cookie" where Esperanza's mom points a wooden spoon at her? (Page 90-91)

- Sometimes adults regret decisions they have made in the past. 

-Adults may wish their children to make different/better decisions

500

This book is semi-autobiographical for Cisneros. What does that mean?

The book is based on her memories and experiences , but Sandra Cisneros made up the character of Esperanza and fictionalized some of the details. 

500
The chapter in which Esperanza is assaulted
What is Red Clowns
500

In "The First Job" Esperanza talks about her work at a photo shop. She is scared to eat alone, but then she eats lunch with a man. What happens at the end of the story that scares her? 

The man kisses Esperanza on the mouth and won't let go.

500

"The garden began to take over itself. Flowers stopped obeying the little bricks that kept them from growing beyond their paths" (Cisneros, 95)

Personification

500

Create a possible central idea for the vignette: "Mango Street Says Goodbye Sometimes"

-Not everyone gets their dream come true

- Remember where you came from, remember your past

-Help your community 

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