CHARACTERS
Esperanza’s mother, who is a source of wisdom and warns Esperanza about the limitations imposed by society.
Who is Mama?
This theme is represented by Esperanza’s longing for a home of her own, where she feels free and independent.
What is the theme of "Identity and Belonging"?
This literary device is used when Esperanza compares herself and her friends to clouds, each unique and different. She uses "as" or "like".
What is a simile?
The author of The House on Mango Street.
Who is Sandra Cisneros?
This chapter title is also the name of the street where Esperanza’s family lives.
What is "The House on Mango Street"?
Esperanza’s younger sister, who often annoys her but is also her companion.
Who is Nenny?
The women in the story often look out of these, symbolizing both longing and entrapment.
The women in the story often look out of these, symbolizing both longing and entrapment.
These animals represent the struggles that Alicia faces.
What are mice?
The city where the novel is set, which shapes much of Esperanza’s experience.
What is Chicago?
In this chapter, Esperanza describes the special lunch she brings to school, only to be disappointed.
What is "A Rice Sandwich"?
This character is Esperanza’s friend who dreams of leaving Mango Street by marrying a rich man.
Who is Marin?
Esperanza encounters and questions these societal expectations imposed on young girls and women.
What are gender roles?
What device is used to give deeper meaning to the sky, the clouds, and the red balloon tied to an anchor?
What is symbolism?
Esperanza pays this amount to share a bike with Rachel and Lucy.
What is five dollars?
This chapter reflects Esperanza’s struggle with her identity and the weight of her name.
What is "My Name"?
This character dies in a hit-and-run accident and represents the transient lives of immigrant workers.
Who is Geraldo?
This theme is expressed in Esperanza’s complicated feelings about leaving Mango Street while still feeling tied to it.
What is the theme of "Freedom vs. Responsibility"?
When Esperanza hints that she will someday leave Mango Street but come back for others, this device is at work.
What is foreshadowing?
The novel was first published in this year.
What is 1984?
In this chapter, Esperanza discusses her admiration for a woman who sees mice at night but continues to study.
What is "Alicia Who Sees Mice"?
This character locks his wife inside their home, symbolizing the restrictions placed on women.
Who is Rafaela's husband?
Esperanza’s wish to rename herself is symbolic of this deeper personal struggle.
What is her struggle with "Cultural and Personal Identity"?
The entire novel is written in this form, capturing small moments and observations.
What are vignettes?
This is the physical feature of the house on Mango Street that Esperanza dislikes most.
What is the small size and rundown appearance?
This chapter is named after Esperanza’s Aunt, who is bedridden and inspires Esperanza to write.
What is "Born Bad"?