Conflict
In "The House on Mango Street," what problem does Esperanza have with her new house?
It is not the house her family dreamed of.
"Alicia Who Sees Mice" – What responsibilities does Alicia have at home while also trying to attend college?
She has to take care of household chores and make tortillas while her father expects her to manage the home.
"Boys & Girls" – Esperanza describes herself as a balloon tied to an anchor when discussing her relationship with Nenny. What does the comparison suggest about how Esperanza feels about being connected to her sister?
She feels held back or restricted by the responsibility of being connected to Nenny.
"The House on Mango Street" – Esperanza describes a house that does not match her dreams. What message does this introduce about people's hopes and dreams?
People may have dreams that are different from their current circumstances, and they want something better for themselves.
"Our Good Day" - What do Lucy and Rachel want Esperanza to help them buy?
A bicycle.
"Boys & Girls" – What does Esperanza want that she does not currently have?
A best friend who is not her sister.
"Our Good Day" – Lucy and Rachel agree to share their bicycle with Esperanza. What do their actions reveal about their personalities?
They are friendly, generous, and welcoming.
"Hairs" – Esperanza compares her mother's hair to warm bread. What does this comparison help readers understand about how Esperanza feels about her mother?
Her mother makes her feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
"Those Who Don't" – Esperanza explains that outsiders are afraid of her neighborhood, even though she feels safe there. What message does this communicate about judging people or places without understanding them?
People often develop unfair judgments based on stereotypes or a lack of understanding.
"Gil's Furniture Bought & Sold" – What unusual object does Nenny discover in the furniture store?
A music box.
In "My Name," what conflict does Esperanza have with her name?
She does not like her name because she wants to be unique and make her own choices in life, unlike her great grandmother.
"Cathy Queen of Cats" – Cathy tells Esperanza that her family is moving because the neighborhood is changing. What does Cathy's speech reveal about her attitude toward the people moving into the neighborhood?
She is judgmental and looks down on the new families.
"Darius & the Clouds" – Darius looks at a cloud and says it is God. How does this comparison change the way the reader might think about the clouds?
It shows that something ordinary can be seen as beautiful, meaningful, or connected to something greater.
"The Family of Little Feet" – The girls enjoy wearing the high-heeled shoes at first, but their experiences change when men begin making comments to them. What message does this communicate about growing up and how society treats girls?
Growing up can mean losing some childhood innocence, and girls may experience unwanted attention and expectations as they get older.
"Meme Ortiz" – What event does Meme win after moving into the neighborhood?
The first annual Tarzan jump contest.
"Louie, His Cousin & His Other Cousin" – What problem does Louie's cousin create when he takes the family's new car for a ride?
The car is stolen, and the police chase him before he crashes it.
"Alicia Who Sees Mice" – Alicia continues going to college even though she has many responsibilities at home and her father expects her to take care of the household. What do her actions reveal about her character?
She is determined, hardworking, and wants an education and independence despite the expectations placed on her.
"And Some More" – The girls argue about the names of clouds and compare them to different objects and things. How does Cisneros use these comparisons to show the differences between the girls' perspectives?
The girls see the same objects differently, showing their imaginations, personalities, and individual ways of understanding the world.
"Alicia Who Sees Mice" – Alicia's father expects her to take care of household responsibilities, but she continues attending college. What message does this suggest about pursuing personal goals when others have different expectations for you?
People may have to challenge traditional expectations and work hard to create opportunities for themselves.
"The Family of Little Feet" – What does the family give the girls that changes how they experience walking around the neighborhood?
A pair of high-heeled shoes.
In "Our Good Day," what disagreement or problem does Esperanza have with Cathy about her new friends?
Cathy does not approve of Esperanza becoming friends with Lucy and Rachel.
"Marin" - Marin spends much of her time waiting for someone to change her life. What do her thoughts and behavior reveal about her hopes?
She dreams of a different future and hopes someone will help her achieve it.
In "There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn't Know What to Do," what does the following passage mean?
"See. That's what I mean. No wonder everybody gave up. Just stopped looking out when little Efren chipped his buck tooth on a parking meter and didn't even stop Refugia from getting her head stuck between two slats in the back gate and nobody looked up not once the day Angel Vargas learned to fly and dropped from the sky like a sugar donut, just like a falling star, and exploded down to earth without even an "Oh.""
Angel Vargas was playing on the roof and died falling off it.
"There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn't Know What to Do" – Rosa Vargas's children are often described as getting into trouble, and their mother struggles to care for them. What message does this vignette communicate about the challenges families can face when they lack support?
Families may struggle when they lack the resources, time, or support they need to care for their children.
"Meme Ortiz" - What is Meme's real name?
Juan.