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The novel’s heroine and narrator, a 12 year old Latina. Esperanza is a budding writer who wishes she had her own home.

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One of Esperanza befriends the same year she moves to Mango Street. She is not a good friend to Esperanza.

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One of the main themes is the power of language. In the book those who could not speak English were at the bottom levels of society.

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This quotation from the section “My Name,” occurs before Esperanza says her name for the first time. Esperanza’s characterization of her name shows how she doesn't like her given name into creativity and word play.

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Shoes in this book may be a symbol as images of sex and adult femininity.

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Esperanza shows respect and admiration for trees throughout the book and her affection of trees sound like she is talking about her self like appearance, resilience, and independence.

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Nenny is Esperanza's little sister which she is responsible for. Nenny is a pesky annoying little sister to Esperanza.

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Esperanza describes herself as a red balloon. The image of the balloon suggests that she feels she is floating in anticipation of something and that she feels isolated which she is throughout the book.

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Esperanza says this in “Red Clowns,” after a group of boys has sexually assaulted her at a carnival. She repeats that to her friend lied, blaming Sally for the assault instead of the boys who have hurt and traumatized her.

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This is what Esperanza said to Alicia in after Alicia insists that Esperanza does have a house, and that it is right there on Mango Street.