The House on Mango Street Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What causes Esperanza to think negatively about her name?

Despite her name meaning Hope in English, she interprets her name differently in Spanish because she is ashamed of her Mexican heritage.

What do you learn about Esperanza's Mexican culture that was foreshadowed in 'Boys and Girls'?

According to Esperanza, boys and girls' worlds are very separate, and they do not socialize with one another.

What do we learn about the big tree from 'Kathy, Queen of Cats'?

Kathy will not tolerate opinions differing from her.

What might cats represent in 'Kathy, Queen of Cats'?

Opinions Signup and view all the answers

What do you learn about Esperanza from the way she accepts the stories from Kathy?

Esperanza is still young and naïve, and is desperate for a friend. Signup and view all the answers

What might the reader learn from 'Gil's Furniture Bought and Sold'?

Esperanza is more realistic than Nenny, but also desires to leave behind her culture as she buys the Statue of Liberty. Signup and view all the answers

Characterize Marin.

Marin is older and wiser than Esperanza. She is confident but at the same time is depending on finding a husband to support her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cisneros end Marin's vignette with a fragment?

It's used to show Marin still waiting to find a husband of her own. Signup and view all the answers

How do outsiders see Esperanza's neighborhood? How does Esperanza feel when she is visiting other neighborhoods?

For Esperanza, she is familiar with the people of her neighborhood, making it less intimidating, but heading to new neighborhoods is different as she is unfamiliar with those residents. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author name Davey, Eddie V., and Fat Boy in 'Those Who Don't'?

They do this to show the familiarity of Esperanza to her neighbors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the last line of the first vignette ('The House on Mango Street') compare to 'That's how it goes and goes.'?

She is dreaming of what life is like in a utopian world prior to those lines, and the last lines take her back to reality. Signup and view all the answers

What are some obstacles Alicia has to overcome in order to improve herself? How does the culture of her family hold her back?

Alicia's mother has passed away, forcing her to take on more responsibility in the family, which can hold her back from pursuing her dream in college. Signup and view all the answers

What does Esperanza find beautiful in 'Darius and the Clouds'?

Esperanza sees the sky as very beautiful, but believes her neighborhood doesn't have enough of it. Signup and view all the answers

How do the shoes in 'The Family of Little Feet' provide the girls with a sexual identity? Is it temporary or permanent?

Even the slightest compliments can be too much for young girls. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Esperanza's Name and Identity

Esperanza feels negative about her name due to its association with her great-grandmother, who was submissive to her husband.
While "Esperanza" means "Hope" in English, in Spanish it carries connotations of her cultural identity that she wishes to distance herself from.

Gender Separation in Culture

Boys and girls experience a significant separation in their social interactions, reflecting cultural gender norms.
Esperanza's awareness of the gender disparity in her Mexican culture heightens her innocence and foreshadows future challenges.

Kathy's Control and Perspectives

Kathy, referred to as the "Queen of Cats," is intolerant of different opinions, showcasing her domineering personality.
Cats serve as a metaphor for personal opinions within Kathy's narrative.

Esperanza’s Relationships

Esperanza’s acceptance of Kathy’s stories reveals her naivety and desire for companionship, emphasizing her youthfulness.

Realism and Cultural Aspirations

Esperanza's longing to buy the Statue of Liberty signifies her desire to break free from cultural constraints, contrasting with her realistic understanding of her situation compared to Nenny.

Marin's Characterization

Marin is depicted as older and knowledgeable, yet reliant on finding a husband, showcasing her acceptance of traditional expectations in her Mexican culture.

Structure and Symbolism

Ending Marin's vignette with a fragment symbolizes her ongoing waiting for a husband, reflecting her unfulfilled aspirations.

Neighborhood Dynamics

Esperanza feels comfortable in her own neighborhood, making it less daunting than unfamiliar places, highlighting the tension between familiarity and the unknown.

Community Familiarity

Naming characters like Davey, Eddie V., and Fat Boy creates a sense of familiarity and emphasizes Esperanza's connection to her community.

Dreams vs. Reality

The transition from dreaming of a utopian life to the sobering reality suggests Esperanza's journey towards understanding her circumstances.

Alicia's Challenges

Alicia is burdened by familial responsibilities after her mother's death, which hinders her aspirations for college and personal growth due to her increased workload.

Beauty in Simplicity

In "Darius and the Clouds," Esperanza finds beauty in the sky, contrasting with her sense of confinement within her neighborhood.

Sexual Identity and Youth

In "The Family of Little Feet," the compliments on the girls' shoes play a crucial role in shaping their sexual identity, highlighting the complexities of youth and perception.

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Description

Explore key concepts and themes from 'The House on Mango Street' through engaging flashcards. This quiz delves into Esperanza's feelings about her name, her cultural heritage, and important cultural insights. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this literary work.