Literary Terms
an important idea woven throughout the story
Theme
What is Esperanza's heritage?
Hispanic / Latina
What is the author's name?
Sandra Cisneros
What is the theme of "The House on Mango Street"?
Growing up
"I am tired of looking at what we can't have"
Here, she reveals her feelings about recognizing her family's poverty and "low status" in the world.
The use of symbols (things) to represent ideas.
Symbolism
Where does Esperanza live now?
Mango Street in Chicago
Where was the author born?
Chicago
What is the theme of "My Name"?
Conflicted self-identity
"When you leave you must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand?"
Even though Esperanza seems desperate to leave Mango Street, she has to use her success to come back and help others in her same situation.
two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effects.
Juxtaposition
What does Esperanza mean in Spanish?
Hope
What is the author's known style of writing?
Short stories / vignettes
What is the theme of "Hips"?
Femininity, maturing
"She says she is in love, but I think she did it to escape"
Women are often forced into situations (romantic and domestic) that are unfavorable simply to escape their current situation. Everyone on Mango street is looking for some type of escape.
a novel dealing with one person's formative years
Bildungsroman
What is one symbol of Esperanza's "deep-rooted" culture?
Four Skinny Trees
To whom is "The House on Mango Street" dedicated?
"A las mujeres" or "To the women"
What is the theme of "Marin"?
Dreams, Overcoming obstacles.
"I have begun my own quiet war"
Esperanza is having an internal battle between her femininity and her power.
A critique on societal issues or society as a whole
Social Commentary
What is one role of women in Latino society as portrayed in the novel?
Taking care of the home and its inhabitants OR being used by men.
What award did Cisneros win for "The House on Mango Street"
The American Book Award
What are three themes repeated throughout the end of the novel?
Womanhood, identity, home
"They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannot get out"
Esperanza no longer feels trapped, and she plans on using her writing to recognize the people on Mango Street who made her who she is today.