Literary terms
What is a vignette?
A style of writing that has no plot but describes specific places, persons or treats specific themes
Where is Esperanza from?
Chicago, Illinois. But her family is of Mexican origin.
What is the author's name?
Sandra Cisneros
What is the main theme of The House On Mango Street?
Coming of age / growing up
"I am tired of looking at what I can't have."
The need to feel she belongs, not the feeling of not wanting to belong.
What is a theme?
A topic that is essential in a written work, treated throughout the writing.
Where does Esperanza live now
4006 Mango Street, Chicago, Illinois
Where was the author born?
In Chicago, Illinois
What is the theme of My Name?
Identity
When you leave you must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand?
Even though you don't feel you belong, and you manage to get away, you will always belong and a part of you will always be left behind. You have to come back for it.
What is symbolism?
The use of symbols, when objects represent something else than what they really are. Some are universal, some are culturally dependent and some are specific, invented by the author.
What does Esperanza mean in Spanish?
Esperanza means hope
Which themes does the writer typically write about?
Latinos and growing up with different cultures
What is the theme of Hips?
Growing up
She says she is in love, but I think she did it to escape
Leaving is important - even if you have to fake being in love, or even convince yourself that you are in love when in fact you are just in love with the idea of escaping.
What is juxtaposition?
The comparison of two opposites creating contrast. Often used to develop characters.
What is one symbol of Esperanza's "deep-rooted" culture?
The four skinny trees can be interpreted as the latino-culture
Who is "The House On Mango Street" dedicated to?
To the women
What's the theme of Marin?
The role of women in society
"I have begun my own quiet war"
Rebelling against gender stereotypes.
What is a bildungsroman?
The same as a coming of age story. A novel about somebody growing up, losing their innocence. The transition from child to adult.
What is one role of women in Latino society as shown in the novel?
Keeping house, having children, taking care of children, being beautiful. Very traditional gender roles - but also very strong women. Women are central characters - men are in the periphery.
Where does Sandra Cisneros currently live?
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
What are the three themes repeated throughout the end of the novel?
Home, identity and belonging
"They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannot out."
If you have never been away from home, you do not realize to what extent home defines you and how you will always belong even if you don't want to.