Characters
This is the protagonist of the novel, a young girl who dreams of a better life.
Who is Esperanza?
The house on Mango Street symbolizes Esperanza’s desire to escape and find a better life. What does it represent more broadly?
What is social class and identity?
This is the primary setting of the novel, a poor urban area in Chicago.
What is Mango Street?
This event occurs early in the novel, where Esperanza’s family moves to Mango Street.
What is moving to Mango Street?
She is Esperanza’s best friend who has a difficult family life and is often a source of concern for Esperanza.
Who is Rachel?
In the book, this represents the oppression and constraints placed on women, often associated with marriage and gender roles.
What is the idea of the “house”?
This character lives on a street close to Esperanza’s house, and her life and experiences have a profound impact on Esperanza’s understanding of women’s roles.
Who is Minerva?
This event occurs when Esperanza begins to recognize the limitations of her social status and the expectations placed on her.
What is Esperanza’s realization of the struggles faced by women in her community?
This character is Esperanza’s neighbor who becomes a symbol of both beauty and tragedy due to her difficult relationship with men.
Who is Sally?
This symbol in the novel often represents escape and personal freedom, as Esperanza dreams of one day having her own place.
What is the dream of a house?
Esperanza’s family moves into this type of structure at the beginning of the novel, which causes her embarrassment.
What is a run-down house?
Esperanza sees this tragic event involving a neighborhood girl, which further shapes her view of relationships.
What is Sally’s marriage?
This character is Esperanza’s mother, who has dreams of a different life and often provides advice to Esperanza.
Who is Mama?
This theme is highlighted by Esperanza’s growing awareness of sexual identity and the dangers surrounding it.
What is sexuality and coming of age?
The neighborhood is mainly populated by Latino families, highlighting the challenges and experiences of this community in the U.S. What is the significance of this setting?
What is the theme of immigration and cultural identity?
Esperanza experiences this when she is given a sense of self-worth, yet she also feels trapped by societal expectations.
What is her decision to leave Mango Street?
This elderly character lives in the neighborhood and is often described as being wise and a bit mystical.
Who is Elenita?
Throughout the novel, this represents both confinement and the desire to break free, especially as Esperanza reflects on her neighbors' lives.
What is the Mango Street neighborhood?
Esperanza often dreams of leaving this place. Her hope is to escape the limitations imposed by this environment.
What is Mango Street?
At the end of the novel, Esperanza makes a vow to return to Mango Street after she has left, symbolizing her complex relationship with her origins.
What is Esperanza’s vow to return to Mango Street after achieving her dreams?