Terms
Define: vignette
a short, well-written sketch or descriptive scene
What are two types of symbols?
Explain the motif of names/language.
The power of names to transform and empower fascinates Esperanza, who struggles with how to define herself. She mentions the transformative power of names in “My Name,” where she picks Zeze the X as a new name for herself.
How is Esperanza’s and Nenny’s relationship significant? Do they connect with each other, or are they distant?
Esperanza explains that she and Nenny do not look alike, but they have more in common than meets the eye. For example, when she and a group of friends pass a certain house, Esperanza reflects that the house looks like Mexico. Her friends looked at her like she was “crazy” (18) for making that comment, but Nenny immediately agreed. “Yes, that’s Mexico all right” (18). This chapter demonstrates the strength of their sisterly bond, a bond that Esperanza cannot share with her friends because they are not a part of her life, culture, and existence like Nenny is. Of course, the two sisters do not always see eye-to-eye, but overall, they have a deep bond.
What is the main difference between a motif and a symbol?
Motifs must recur throughout a text, while a symbol may only appear once or twice.
Define: symbols
A sign, shape or object that is tangible that represents an idea
What do mice symbolize in "Alicia Who Sees Mice"?
The mice symbolize Alicia's struggle against a patriarchal society and her desire for a better life, particularly her ambition to escape poverty and gain an education. They also represent her anxieties and the challenges she faces as a young woman trying to navigate a world that doesn't always see or acknowledge her experiences.
Explain the motif of heights/falling
Heights are connected to a sense of accomplishment, or achievement, but they also come with great risk, or the fear of falling
What is Marin waiting for, and why does she has to wait? What does the text suggest about her fate?
Marin is waiting for someone to change her life because she does not have agency, or control, over her own life. Her guardians may return her to her parents, and she also waits for her boyfriend to take her to P.R.
What does bildungsroman translate to?
(novel of growth)
Define: motifs
An idea that is intangible or abstract that represents a theme
What do the trees symbolize in the vignette "Four Skinny Trees"?
Esperanza's resilience and ability to grow in a difficult environment.
Explain the motif of sleeping/sleepiness
Sleeping represents a brief escape from the harsh realities of Esperanza's life on Mango Street, providing a moment of peace and comfort amidst the cramped living conditions, family struggles, and societal pressures she faces, often serving as a symbol of her desire for a more stable and secure existence. Women are most often depicted as the ones sleeping.
What lesson does Esperanza learn in “Darius and the Clouds”?
In this chapter, Esperanza learns to be appreciative of the small things. She regrets that her neighborhood does not have enough sky, but she states that she’ll “take what she can get.” After speaking to Darius, he teaches her that the clouds are God Himself. She also learns not to judge someone too quickly.
Social commentary may be ____ or it may be a slightly _____ in literature
Social commentary may be obvious or it may be a slightly hidden message in literature
Define: bildungsroman
a novel depicting someone's growth from childhood to maturity
What do cigarettes symbolize for Marin?
A brief moment of rebellion and freedom.
Explain the motif of shame.
Esperanza is shameful of her life at the house of Mango street which represents her immaturity. She often projects this shame onto Nenny. She is also shamed for her house by religious figures.
Why does Esperanza have to go to work? What does her willingness to work reveal about her?
Her father wants her to work so that she can help pay for Catholic school, and her family wants to avoid public school if they can. Esperanza is considered old enough to work, even though she has to lie about her age in order to find work. Her willingness to work reveals that she is maturing.
Give one specific example that proves House on Mango Street is a novel of growth (bildungsroman)
Answers vary.
Define: Juxtaposition
the arrangement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side-by-side or in similar narrative moments. Often used to show contrast
What do knives symbolize?
Which motif is present in the vignettes "Gil's Furniture Bought and Sold" and "A Rice Sandwich"?
Shame
What does Ruthie help teach Esperanza?
Ruthie helps Esperanza to see the beauty in everything. Ruthie can see lovely things everywhere, and this is an especially important lesson for Esperanza to learn because she so often struggles with feelings of shame.
In the vignettes "Hips," how does the act of jumping rope juxtapose with the conversation about getting hips?
The act of jumping rope is childish, but the conversation about hips is much more adult.