Vignettes Analysis
History of Esperanza and her family
Narrator's Feelings
Language Experimentation
Character Insights
100

What is the main theme of “Boys & Girls”?

The separation and differences in how genders are treated.

100
the author describes Esperanza as a balloon tied to an anchor because she is lonely and has no friends, but she has to stay with her family
why does the author describe Esperanza as a "balloon tied to an anchor"?
100

What does the narrator feel about her name in English?

 It means hope.

100

: What does 'pliant' mean?

 Able to move freely or bend without breaking.

100

  • Who is Cathy in relation to Esperanza?

  • Cathy is a neighbor who views herself as superior to others in the neighborhood.

200

Why is the vignette “My Name” important?

 It explores identity and the significance of names.

200
Esperanza is considered to be lonely because Carlos and Kiki are best friends, Nenny is too young to be her friend,
What is Esperanza considered to be a lonely child?
200

 How does the narrator describe her family dynamics in the story?

 The boys and girls live in separate worlds; boys act differently outside than inside the house.

200

Provide an example of a sentence fragment from the text.

"She says, I am the great great grand cousin of the queen of France."

200

  •  Describe the relationship between Esperanza and her brothers.

  • They have a close relationship indoors but are distanced by societal expectations outside.

300

How do the vignettes “Our Good Day” and “Laughter” relate?

Both illustrate the joy and challenges of growing up on Mango Street.

300
Papa's hair is all up in the air and it looks like a broom, Carlo's hair is think and straight, Nenny's hair is slippery, Kiki's hair is like fur, and mama's hair is pretty
Describe Papa's hair, Carlo's hair, Nenny's hair, kiki's hair, mama's hair
300

What does the narrator's hair symbolize?

It symbolizes her identity and connection to her family.

300

 What does 'succinct' mean?

 Briefly and clearly expressed, typically using few words.

300

  • How does Esperanza's view of her name differ from her great-grandmother's?


  • Answer: Esperanza sees her name as a burden; her great-grandmother viewed it with pride.

400

Describe the significance of the rain in the vignette.

 The rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal in the narrator's life.

400
In English Esperanza means hope, but in Spanish Esperanza means sadness (like a mussy color or an unlucky number). She was named after her Grandmother Esperanza.
What is the meaning of Esperanza's in both English and Spanish? What was she named after?
400

Describe Esperanza's perception of her name in Spanish

It means too many letters; it signifies sadness and waiting.

400

How does Cisneros experiment with language in her writing?

  •  She uses fragments and streamlines typography to create a unique reading experience.

400

What does Esperanza inherit from her great-grandmother?

 She inherits her name and the associated struggles.

500

How does Esperanza's perspective change throughout the book?

She evolves from feeling trapped to seeking her own identity and independence.

500
she was angry because she used to be wild and free, but her husband married her and made her responsible of so many things which caused her get angry and never forgive him for her whole life. She released her anger by looking out the window
What was the main reason that Esperanza (the great grandmother), she was angry after she got married? How did she release her anger?
500

How does Esperanza feel about her family's expectations?

  • She feels trapped and does not want to inherit her great-grandmother's limitations.

500

 What ambiguity can be found in the phrase “window” used in the text?

The window represents both confinement and a view to the outside world.

500

 How does Esperanza feel about her new friends, Lucy and Rachel?

 She feels a strong bond with them, appreciating their authenticity and friendship.

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