House on Mango Street

Sandra Cisneros

Born 1954 in Chicago Addresses issues of

Hispanic American women

House on Mango Street was first novel

House on Mango Street

Main character Esperanza Struggling to grow up in Chicago's poverty-

stricken south side Short, interconnected chapters “Lyrical narratives, vivid dialogue, and

powerful descriptions” Written in vignettes

Vignette

Short scene that focuses on one moment or gives insight into a character, idea, or setting

Poetic language Simile Metaphor Imagery

House on Mango Intro

Read the back cover Look at illustrations on front and back Look at table of contents Flip through book

House on Mango Street Themes Identity Community / Neighborhood Freedom / Growth Fitting In Coming of Age Home / Belonging

Essential Theme Questions

How does environment shape our identity?

What identities, if any, are permanent and which do we have the power to change?

What roles do neighborhood and community play in shaping who we become?

Names

What is the personal significance of your given name (first, middle and last)?

Does your name mean different things to you, your family, and your friends?

What are your nicknames? What do your nicknames mean to you and those who call you those names?

“It means” (write three adjectives that describe you) “It is the number” (write any number you want) “It is like” (describe a color but don’t name it) “It is” (name something you remember experiencing with

family or friends) “It is the memory of” (name a person who has been

significant to you) “Who taught me” (write two abstract concepts like

“honesty”) “When he/she” (write about something that person did) “My name is” (“write your first name”) “It means” (state something important you believe about

life in 1-2 sentences)