Literary Terms
What is theme?
The main subject of the book.
Where is Esperanza from?
Chicago, Illinois
What is the author’s name?
Sandra Cisneros
What is the theme of "House on Mango Street"?
Knowing where you came from
"I am tired of looking at what I can't have."
Esperanza doesn't like the way she lives, and she doesn't like to be reminded of it.
What is symbolism?
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Where does Esperanza live now?
Mango Street
Where was the author born?
Chicago
What is the theme of "My Name"?
Identity
"When you leave, you must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand?"
Esperanza can't forget where she came from, even if she goes away forever.
What is juxtaposition?
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
What does Esperanza mean in Spanish?
Hope
What is the author's known style of writing?
Personal, Easy-to-Read, Emotional
What is the theme of "Hips"?
Maturity
"She says she is in love, but I think she did it to escape."
Sally didn't get married because she wanted to, she got married to escape her home life
What is a bildungsroman?
A novel about experiences of one's past
What is one symbol of Esperanza’s ‘deep-rooted’ culture?
She has the same name as her great grandmother.
To whom is "The House on Mango Street" dedicated?
Women
What is the theme of "Marin"?
Women in Society
I have begun my own quiet war."
She wants to become cruel and beautiful
What is social commentary?
The act of expressing an opinion on society
What is one role of women in Latino society as shown in the novel?
Mothers
What is one award the author has won?
American Book Award in 1985
What are the three themes repeated throughout to the end of the novel?
Home, Women, Identity
"They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannot out."
She will come back for them once she writes about them in a book