The House on Mango Street
What does Esperanza mean when she says, "I think diseases have no eyes"?
Anyone can contract a disease (no one is immortal)
Why is it bad luck for a woman to be born in the year of the horse?
Sexist folklore- unlucky in a sense that these women are viewed as uncontrollable and difficult to manage. b. Esperanza embraces the bad luck and expresses her desire to avoid her predecessor's fate.
What indications are there in this chapter that Esperanza is still very young and naïve?
She believes his "tall-tales" and has no understanding of reality (Prostitutes)
Why does the sister with the marble hands tell Esperanza that she must "remember to come back for the others"?
She cannot forget those who are less fortunate and unable to succeed
What motivates the grocer to threaten the girls with the police if they don't take off their high heels?
He claims that shoes of that nature are dangerous = Prostitution: neighborhood connections: Male Impulses/responses
What evidence is there in this story that Esperanza is ashamed of her house?
Her commentary; picking the home that the "bums" live in (page 45).
List her mother's talents. What can't she do?
a. She can sing opera, fix things, cook, and sew. b. She cannot take mass transportation (read?); timid nature; restrictive lifestyle
Support or refute the following statement with incidents from the chapter. The monkey garden is a metaphor for Esperanza's childhood.
The metaphor represents the last mainstay of youth/innocence
Many critics consider The House on Mango Street a feminist novel. How does the following passage support this idea? "I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate."
The snappish language and violent images of self-bondage (slavery) reveals the anger that Esperanza has towards many of her peers.
How large is the narrator's family? What is their religion? What do you think the following quotation says about the narrator's feelings about her home? "I knew then I had to have a house. A real house. One I could point to."
a. Six members b. Catholic (nun reference) c. Theme: Shame, the narrator is not proud of her current home/socioeconomic status (poor)
Why do you think Marin stands in the doorway of her home, snapping her fingers and singing the same song over and over again? If she is employed selling cosmetics, why does she still need to baby-sit the younger girls?
a. The doorway is the extent of her freedom and assimilation (picking up on childlike games) b. Her lack of freedom does not allow for great Avon sales; limited education; impoverished neighborhood
Why is the house on Mango Street an improvement over the narrator's other homes? In what ways does it fall short of her "dream" house?
a. The family owns the house on Mango Street. b. Only one bathroom, no large yard, shared bedrooms, unattractive. SN: This home does not reflect the American standard.
What do the four trees teach Esperanza?
a. The trees teach Esperanza to branch out (aspire) to new heights (success; personal growth) b. Esperanza must remain strong despite the hardships and isolation she endures w/o losing touch with community and roots.
How much time has passed since the beginning of the book? How are Guadalajara and Mango Street alike?
a. about a year b. They both represent home; belonging; identifiable
What is Alicia doing to escape from Mango Street?
Attending an (college/university) institution of higher learning
What is the following passage saying about Lois' maturity level compared to Esperanza's? Hint: Remember feet may be a symbol for maturity. "... She was barefoot, and I saw her barefoot baby toenails all painted pale, pale pink...her bones are long like ladies' bones....But she doesn't know how to tie her shoes. I do."
a. Esperanza views herself as more mature and sophisticated than Lois. b. Lois' feet = naiveté; innocence = Ironic because she is "experienced" via Sire
Why is Mamacita upset when the baby starts speaking English? What is Cisneros saying about assimilation in this chapter?
a. Her last link to "home" is the language = thus when the baby speaks she identifies it with losing her identity b. Her experience in America is the antithesis of the American Dream
Abuelito
grandfather
What are the signs or superstitions that signal the death of the baby?
Yellow bird; barking dog
Why is a white Southerner like Earl living on Mango Street?
He can engage in his lifestyle/behavior w/o penalties/judgment.
Sometimes Cisneros rhymes the phrases in her sentence like stanzas in a poem might rhyme. Identify a rhythmic pattern and example of personification used to create images in this chapter.
Pg 33 Sky = Personified
Why do the neighbors "give up" on the Vargas children?
They are intolerable; out of control.
Marimbas
a hand held instrument of African origin, resembling a xylophone.
What is the meaning of the following passage? What are the trees saying? "Sometimes I hear them laughing, late, beer cans and cats and the trees talking to themselves: wait, wait, wait."
a. Trees rustling = Sex b. Wait, wait, wait = Lois pleading for patience = Sire not adhering
Nimbus
rain cloud
Support or refute the following statement with incidents from this chapter: Geraldo is the stereotype of an illegal Mexican whose life is of no importance.
Brazer comment; lack of medical staffing in an urban hospital; non-valued member of society
What does Esperanza mean at the end of the chapter when she says, "I don't know which way she'll go. There is nothing I can do."?
Esperanza expresses her dislike that a woman's abuse must be the "same old story" and regrets her own inability to help a friend.
Why do you think Alicia is afraid of "fathers"?
Fathers represent = obligations, guilt, machismo, and control
Why do you think Esperanza describes her house as "clean as paper before the poem"?
It will be based on her interpretation and direction; it is all about her vision
At one point in this chapter, it is confusing as to whether the author is writing about Sally or about Esperanza. Find a sentence in this chapter that is about Sally but is also Esperanza's dream.
Last 2 paragraphs of the vignette = Sally do you wish your legs would take to ...
What is the "true" identity of Earl's girlfriend?
More than one girlfriend = Prostitutes
Assume Sally's dreams in the chapter are really Esperanza's dreams. What does Esperanza want more than anything else?
New home; an environment that meets her standards; societal acceptance
List the superstitions or cures attributed to Elenita's power.
Pg 64
Why is the significance of the title of this chapter? What do the linoleum roses represent?
Plastic existence and fake love/life that Sally now endures on a daily basis.
What evidence is there in this chapter that Ruthie may be mentally handicapped?
Random laughter; clothing choices; inability to make simple decisions
Why does Sally's father prevent her from leaving their home after school?
She is too beautiful; connection to his sisters (makes him sad); religious connection
What do you think is the significance of Mamacita's small pink shoes?
Variation of the theme of being a confined woman; her pink prison (apartment); pink shoes = confinement SN: Machismo is a prevalent theme in this vignette
What evidence is there in the chapter that Rachel and Lucy are learning to be prejudiced against people with dark skin?
Chicken lips (refers people of color); too much trash (refers to Lucy & Rachel as "white trash") in the yard (page 37)
Why do you suppose "no one complains" when Lucy's mother throws away the shoes?
They understand that not all the attention received was flattering/warm.
What does the sentence "All brown all around, we are safe" mean?
When you are with people like yourself, there is a sense of safety.
Chandelier
a holder for several candles or electric lights.
The last line of the chapter reads, "And then we began to dream the dreams." What kind of dreams do Esperanza and her friends have after Aunt Lupe's death?
The dream of possibilities and hope; life away from Mango Street
What are the "gold glasses floating in the dark"?
The gold glasses represent Gil, the storeowner.
What qualities does the narrator want in a best friend?
a. An individual that can identify and sympathize w/ her perspectives, beliefs, and thought patterns b. Intellectual ability (smart)
Why do you think Esperanza decides to buy the bicycle with Lucy and Rachel, knowing she will make Cathy "mad forever"? What does Esperanza learn about herself and the kinds of friends she wants to have?
a. Cathy is leaving b. She wants to be with people who are accepting of her; friendship despite adversity
What does Cathy say to hurt Esperanza? How are Cathy's parents and Esperanza's parents alike?
a. Cathy says the neighborhood is getting bad because of people like Esperanza. Esperanza is acutely aware of being part of a racial and economic group that dooms the neighborhood. b. They both want a better life/environment for their children. c. Esperanza understands that she is an unwanted element in society.
How old do you think Esperanza is at this point in the story? What evidence is there that she wants to look more like a woman?
a. Esperanza is 12-14 years old. b. The logic applied to her understanding of hips implies a desire to be a woman. SN: The rhymes associate hips with feminine beauty standards and being attractive to men.
This is an episodic novel written in small vignettes or literary sketches. What observation about family do you think Cisneros is making in this chapter?
a. Exemplifies how sisters can resemble each other; sentimentality b. Familial Aura/bond
What makes Esperanza trust the Oriental man? How does he betray her trust?
a. He is kind to her; engaging/polite b. He kisses her inappropriately; she is manipulated via her youth (Naiveté)
Contrast Nenny's behavior toward the man who owns the junk shop with Esperanza. Why doesn't Esperanza talk to the Gil?
a. Nenny is more extroverted (out going), curious, and bold (naïve) b. Esperanza is introverted (shy) ;only engages in conversations with individuals that she has established a bond or friendship w/
Support of refute the following statement: Feet are a symbol for growing up in this chapter.
a. True: grandpa's thick feet to that of the baby w/ pale feet; texture and density = maturation (maturity) b. The shoes represent an adult mentality = sexual connotation
Esta muerto
he is dead
What do you think Esperanza wishes for?
A house of her own
Why do you think Aunt Lupe says to Esperanza, "You just remember to keep writing, Esperanza. You must keep writing. It will keep you free."?
Aunt Lupe is aware of her talent
Compare the reaction of Tito's mother to his kissing a girl with the reaction of Sally's father reaction when he catches her talking to a boy. What is your opinion about the behavior of these two parents? Are they normal? Is it fair?
Cultural norms w/ males over females; Sally's father is abusive
Why do you think the following passage from the first chapter is repeated in the last chapter? "We didn't always live on Mango Street. Before that we lived on Loomis on the third floor, and before that we live on Keeler."
Cyclical (circle) philosophy; she was taught to remember her roots and experiences.
In what ways is Esperanza's sister, Nenny, similar to Esperanza?
Laughter and sense of culture; sense of self; Cordero girls connected to their roots.
A clown is defined as a person who constantly plays the fool, a trickster, and buffoon. Using this definition what do you think the red clowns represent in this story?
Red Clowns: Drunken humorous nature of the boys
Why is Esperanza happy to tell her guest that she has "bums" in the attic?
She acknowledges the impact of poverty. She identifies with wanting to criticize the problems of class in America.
Why do you think Esperanza feels "ashamed" when she tries to stop the boys from kissing Sally? What makes her feel so terrible she wants to be dead?
She feels childish and humiliated for not understanding the deviant behavior that takes place. Humiliation; naiveté
Why does Alicia think it is important for Esperanza to think of Mango Street as her home and return to it someday?
She hopes that Esperanza will not forget her roots; cyclical ideology
Why do you suppose Esperanza feels "angry inside" when Sally agrees to kiss the boys to get her keys back?
She inherently knows that her actions are wrong; feminist tone; protective nature of Esperanza
Why do you think Esperanza likes Ruthie?
She is childlike and relates to the humor; mentality of the youngsters on Mango Street
How does Esperanza feel about her ability to attract Sire's attention?
She is confident (example: street encounter w/ bike) SN: Everything exploding like Christmas = Desired orgasm
Why do you think Esperanza seems to be surprised that the girls "have legs"?
She is immature when it comes to her own identity (transitioning)
Why do you think Esperanza might be particularly moved by Minerva's sad life?
She too is a poet and creative thus making their connection depressing and a frightening possibility of life
Who is Esperanza talking about in the following passage? "...but I have to decide not to grow up tame like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain."
She will not tame herself or wait for a husband
What do you think the sky represents in the following sentence? "You can fall asleep and wake up drunk on sky."
Sky = Hope; constant source of joy: something that belongs to all people: religion
What is the impact of Aunt Lupe's illness on her husband and children?
Their lives are incomplete, limited, and stagnant
Why do you think Esperanza goes to Elenita, the witch woman, to hear herfortune? What is Esperanza hoping for?
a. She is the individual to see for insight and mystical guidance b. News of a pleasant/successful future
What does Elenita predict for Esperanza's future? How does Esperanza feel about this prediction?
a. A home in the heart = Comfort in thyself = self awareness b. She is not thrilled with the fortune; slightly confused by the ambiguous response
Why does she describe herself as a girl who "didn't want to belong"? This is a coming-of-age novel. What has Esperanza learned about herself in the past year? How has she changed her attitude toward Mango Street?
a. Esperanza constantly felt like an outsider b. She analyzed the women of Mango Street c. She has changed and now believes in helping others
Why does Sally go home with her abusive father? Given what you learned about life on Mango Street, do you think he is justified in worrying about Sally?
a. Part of the battered cycle mentality; he apologizes and therefore reestablishes love/trust b. Optional response; Is abuse justified in this case?
How does she identify with them?
a. Physical aspects = Esperanza is insecure about her body b. Stubborn frailty and stubborn spirit
What does Esperanza learn from Rafaela about the life of a young married woman on Mango Street?
a. Reoccurring theme of women gazing in sadness from a window b. "Keep them on a silver string" = macho attitude that a woman is a prize to guard for oneself; beauty indicates worth c. Esperanza expresses disdain for women who do not reject these double standards SN: several metaphors highlight the vicious cycle of promises made and broken which keep women like Rafaela locked in a tower of submission, her life ticking away.
Why does Esperanza's mother quit school? What advice does she give her daughter?
a. She did not have nice enough clothes so she dropped out. b. She encourages Esperanza to get an education.
Where is Esperanza in this last chapter? How does she manage to escape from Mango Street?
a. She is an adult reflecting on her childhood b. She escapes via an education
What happens to Esperanza at the Carnival? Why does she say Sally lies to her?
a. She is raped by a boy while a group watches. b. Sally provided her a romanticized perspective of sex.
Why does Gil refuse to sell the music box?
Gil acknowledges the power and uniqueness of the music box
Read the following passage from the story. What do you think Esperanza is feeling? "And then I don't know why, but I have to turn around and pretend I don't care about the box so Nenny won't see how stupid I am."
She is ashamed to admire something that her younger (immature) sister admires; box = feminine connotation
Support or refute the following statement: Louie's cousin might have gotten away with stealing the yellow Cadillac if he had not gone back to Mango Street to give his family ride in the car.
Yes, the flashy car would have been noticed (consider the race of the driver); racial profiling
Why don't the girls realize their imitations of Aunt Lupe are wrong?
Naiveté; they don't acknowledge the extent of her pain
What evidence is there in the story that Esperanza is beginning to notice the boys and that they are beginning to notice her?
Comments about "the boy who is my cousin by first communion" "the boy who is a man"
What do the Mexican people do to honor their dead?
A black and white photo is taken in front of the tomb w/ flowers
Support or refute the following statement: Cisneros believes that people of all races feel fear and prejudice and fit into the category of "Those Who Don't."
Cisneros believes that there is safety in numbers = Identifiable Numbers
In what way can it be said the narrator has "mixed" feelings about her sister Nenny?
Esperanza is torn with being annoyed and having to watch over Nenny (Does not want her to be like the Vargas kids).
In what way is Esperanza both disappointed in the music box Nenny finds and delighted with it? To what extent may the box be considered a metaphor for Esperanza's neighborhood?
Esperanza was hoping for a specific type of music box and yet she is amazed by the wonderful sounds that come from such a tarnished and battered music box.
What is the significance of Esperanza's first adult dance occurring at the baptism?
It is a sign of maturity. Baptism = Reborn = dual meanings in this vignette
What does the following passage from the story suggest about Meme's character? "This is the tree we chose for the First Annual Tarzan Jumping Contest. Meme won. And broke both arms."
Meme is reckless and lacks discipline; children are unsupervised to some extent; makeshift adventures and games = reflective of poverty
Support or refute the following statement: The description of the mice is a metaphor for a woman's life on Mango Street.
Mice = domestic (home) scavengers = represent women who are constantly tending to their families (Cisneros)
Why does Esperanza think Nenny belongs to a world she, Rachel, and Lucy don't belong to anymore?
Nenny is still mentally and physically a child whereas the other young girls are transitioning towards young adulthood
What character traits are suggested for each of the following family members by the narrator's description of each one's hair?
Papa - On edge (stern or serious demeanor) Carlos- Mature, in control, and straightforward temperament (organized) Nenny- wistful, sneaky, elusive; dreamy disposition; outgoing Kiki- Innocent; childlike, youthful; fur teddy bear
This first job is Esperanza's first opportunity to experience the world away from Mango Street. What does her first job teach her about men and women in general?
People can be very cruel and manipulative; she is still a child and very vulnerable SN: grown men take liberties with young girls
About how old do you think the narrator is at the beginning of the novel?
Pre-teen
Cisneros presents many examples of women's lives on Mango Street. What do you think Esperanza learns about a woman's life from Rosa Vargas?
The life of a single parent who is poor, has no control over her children, and is uneducated is very difficult and hopeless.
In the beginning of this chapter, the girls are talking about the many different names for snow and clouds. What do you think Cisneros is saying about the names in this chapter? What do they symbolize?
The names identify disparaging (mean) comments made by the girls
Why do the women at work laugh at Esperanza?
They laugh at her lack of common sense and youth; her indecisiveness is humorous
3. What do you think is the significance of the "four little elms the city planted by the curb"?
Theme: pity; the community shows sympathy and attempts to placate the inhabitants of this "poor" neighborhood
Why does Esperanza's papa "wake up tired in the dark"? How does Esperanza feel about her father?
a. He has endured a restless night (mourning);Waking up tired and in the dark is common based on his "blue collar" lifestyle b. She feels helpless and frightened at his potential (death) mortality SN: The repetition of "hold" shows that, despite her desire to escape, there are many aspects of home that Esperanza cannot yet live without
Why does Esperanza say that she has her grandmother's name but does not "want to inherit her place by the window"?
a. Her grandmother was a "claimed" prisoner and never experienced life.(She has her own dreams/hopes/aspirations) b. Cultural connections = Mexican and Chinese
What can you infer about Angel Vargas' fate by his name?
a. Irony = Named Angel and attempted to fly b. Angel tried to fly and died an unacknowledged death
Why do you think Esperanza describes this incident with Louie's cousin as being "important"?
a. It highlights that extreme poverty allows certain people to become desensitized or build "thick skin" towards certain events = cultural norms b. These individuals value the best parts of daily life
Briefly describe Lucy and Rachel. Why do you think Esperanza likes them?
a. Lucy- dumb; big one b. Rachel- small; extroverted (not shy); aggressive; sassy c. They accept Esperanza for who she is; similar sense of humor d. Esperanza celebrates the unconventional persona and behavior of the girls; they express what she cannot e. Dual beauty and harshness of Mango Street
Many critics believe this novel expresses many feminist views. From the perspective of a feminist, what is wrong with Marin's "dream" described in the following passage? "...she's going to get a real job downtown because that's where the best jobs are, since you always get to look beautiful and get to wear nice clothes and can meet someone in the subways who might marry you."
a. Marin has no self-worth or personal ambitions that are driven by talent, education, or a consistent work ethic. b. She desires to be domesticated and owned (only by a rich man)
Why do you think Meme and his dog both have two names?
a. Nicknames symbolize closeness; b. Element of cultural heritage = creates dual identities w/o full assimilation
This chapter in written partly with Esperanza as the narrator and partly with Cathy narrating. What is the first line narrated by Cathy? Why do you think the author decides to write part of this chapter from Cathy's point of view?
a. Page 12 "Keep Away" b. Readers are provided w/ another perspective an individual on Mango Street...Cathy's mindset & point of view.
What does the following quotation suggest about the quality of the narrator's home? "The snoring, the rain, and Mama's hair that smells like bread."
a. Physical, spiritual, and emotional closeness; despite poverty there is love/bond; comfort. b. Mama is not only an ideal woman but an ideal mother.
This novel is written in a poetic style. What do you think is the meaning of the following metaphor? "Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor."
a. Red- Bold (represents Esperanza's desired personality); Balloon-freedom; anchor- Nenny is her obligation b. Esperanza is alone and feels different; she longs to escape Mango street like a helium balloon
What does the following passage from the novel suggest about Marin's fate? What are her chances of finding someone to rescue her from her life on Mango Street?
a. She is doomed to wait, wait, and wait. b. Based on her "picky" standards (slim to none); bourgeois mentality= Beauty
If feet are a symbol for growing up, what do the brown-and-white school shoes mean in this chapter?
a. The shoes represent shame; restrictions; immaturity; poverty SN: When she is finally dancing, Esperanza feels like a beautiful woman and forgets she is "wearing only ordinary shoes."
After Louie's cousin is arrested for stealing the yellow car, why do Esperanza and his family all wave to him as the police drive him away? Why aren't they upset he has been arrested?
a. They admire him for thinking about them; the community b. They are accustomed to individuals being arrested and do not shame the cousin.
What do you think Esperanza learns about life when she finally gets to eat her rice sandwich in the canteen?
a. This experience teaches Esperanza that the canteen wasn't anything spectacular or special. SN: Esperanza's shame and longing to escape from her place and identity in her community are evident in the humiliation she feels when pointing out her house.
What does Esperanza dislike about her name? Why do you suppose she wants to be called Zeze the X?
a. Too ethnic, hard to pronounce, and she does not identify with the name b. Zeze the X is a name that would "pop" and she feels that her name does not do justice to the strong convictions and wistful aspirations of "the real me, the one nobody sees," repressed by poverty or machismo.
Cumulus
cloud forms, type of cloud
Frijoles
kidney beans
