Author Research
What is Sandra Cisneros’ nationality?
Mexican-American
Who is the narrator of The House on Mango Street?
Esperanza
What is the point of view of The House on Mango Street?
First-person narration
What is the title of the first vignette?
The House on Mango Street
In which year was The House on Mango Street published?
1984
What is Esperanza’s last name?
Cordero
Which type of conflict is central to the first vignettes—internal or external?
Internal, as Esperanza struggles with her identity and sense of belonging.
What is the significance of Esperanza’s name, according to the second vignette?
It means "hope" in English, but Esperanza finds it heavy and difficult in Spanish.
Name one major theme Cisneros explores in her works
Identity, gender roles, cultural heritage.
What does Esperanza think about the house on Mango Street?
She is disappointed and embarrassed by it.
What kind of setting is established in the opening vignettes?
A poor, urban neighborhood in Chicago.
How does Esperanza feel about her house on Mango Street?
She feels embarrassed and unsatisfied with it.
What inspired Sandra Cisneros to write The House on Mango Street?
Her own experiences growing up in Chicago and feeling out of place in her community.
Which family member does Esperanza seem to look up to the most?
Her great-grandmother, who she’s named after.
What is the tone of Esperanza’s narration in the first few vignettes?
Reflective, sometimes wistful or disappointed.
What kind of stories does Esperanza hear about her great-grandmother?
Her great-grandmother was wild and free, but became trapped in marriage, something Esperanza fears for herself.
What kind of literary style is Cisneros known for, especially in The House on Mango Street?
Vignette-style writing with poetic language.
What does Esperanza hope to have in the future, instead of the house on Mango Street?
A house of her own where she can feel proud and independent.
How does Cisneros use imagery in the first vignette to describe the house on Mango Street?
Cisneros uses vivid, often negative imagery to highlight the cramped and dilapidated condition of the house.
How does Esperanza describe her hair compared to her family’s in “Hairs”?
She describes her own hair as rebellious and messy, contrasting with her mother’s comforting and sweet-smelling hair.