Plot Points
The meaning of Esperanza's name when translated into English
Hope
who is the main character?
Esperanza
The primary theme explored through Esperanza’s name, heritage, and growth.
Identity
The specific term for the short, poetic story snapshots used to structure this novel.
Vignette
The hidden spot in her future dream home where Esperanza plans to house bums.
The Attic
The items Esperanza, Rachel, and Lucy walk around in that make them targets of a bum's attention.
High-heeled shoes
what grade did Sally get married?
Before 8th
The single common reality shared by the neighborhood women that keeps them from leaving.
Fear
The type of figurative language used in: "Until then, I am a red balloon... tied to an anchor".
Metaphor
The major city where the novel takes place
Chicago
The reason Esperanza’s father is sitting on her bed crying early in the morning.
Her grandfather died
Who is Nenny?
Esperanza's sister
The physical growth transformation discussed by the girls while jumping rope.
Hips
The literary device used when describing her mother's hair as "like little rosettes".
Simile
The exact color of Esperanza’s rundown house on Mango Street
Red
The financial total Esperanza contributes to buy a shared bicycle with her neighbors.
Five dollars
She tells Esperanza she can only be her friend until next Tuesday because her family is moving.
Cathy
The overarching theme that drives Esperanza to seek a physical space of her own.
Home and Belonging
The physical object used repeatedly across the novel to symbolize women being trapped in their homes.
Window
The previous location Esperanza’s family left due to broken water pipes
The flat on Loomis
The characters who tell Esperanza she must return to Mango Street after she leaves.
Three sisters
This student attends a local university and wakes up early to make tortillas
Alicia
The specific reason Esperanza states she must eventually return to Mango Street.
For the ones who cannot get out
Placing two completely opposite situations side-by-side to highlight their striking differences.
juxtaposition
The place where Esperanza desperately wishes she could eat her rice sandwich.
School Canteen