The House on Mango Street Themes by Claudia Rojas

Claim

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-25 12:31:21 UTC

From the beginning of the book, it's shown that Esperanza's relationship with her family has a big positive role in her her life.

Quotation #1 : “But my mother’s hair, my mother’s hair, like little rosettes, like little candy circles all curly and pretty … when she is holding you, holding you and you feel safe … is the warm smell of bread before you bake it …”

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:11:56 UTC

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:17:36 UTC

My image that represents that relationship between Esperanza and her family is pillars. I chose this image because it symbolizes the fact that her family supports her and holds her up as a pillar does to a building or a structure. Whenever Esperanza has little conflicts that affect her day or her emotions, she has her family members by her side to back her up. These people include Nenny (younger sister), her mother, and her distant family members aswell. They are there to help her to the best of their ability when in need.

Explanation #1:

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:26:19 UTC

From this, it's infered that Esperanza has someone to admire and look up to and is also provided with comfort by her mom. In this specific chapter Esperanze explains all of her family's different types of hair, which is meant to symbolize the different personalities of each family member. However, when it comes to her mom, her hair is described as pretty and has a distinctive scent that reminds her of all the times she had held her to make her feel safe, like everything was going to be okay.

Quotation #2: "Look at that house, I said, it looks like Mexico. Rachel and Lucy look at me like I'm crazy, but before they can let out a laugh, Nenny says: Yes, that's Mexico all right. That's what I was thinking exactly. "(pg 18).

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:30:11 UTC

Explanation #2

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:35:42 UTC

In this quote, it relfects on the relationship between Esperanza and her younger sister Nenny who have certain similarities in personality. Espranza points out a resembalnce between a house on the street and the typical houses of where she lived in Mexico. Before Rachel and Lucy, their friends, can laugh, Nenny interupts and agrees with her. This is subtle example of how Nenny is there to back Esperanza up to save her from any feeling of embarresment or doubt in what she is thinking, especiall when it highlights the shared memories of their previous home.

Quote #3: "You just remember to keep writing, Esperanza. You must keep writing. It will keep you free." (pg 61).

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:41:17 UTC

Explanation #3:

claudiarojas29 — 2025-09-29 13:49:06 UTC

Esperanza's Aunt Lupe highlights a good example of valuable advice given by a family member. Although extremely sick, she recognizes both Esperanza's talent and passion for writing, and urges her to continue because she knows it will help her escape from the harsh realities of her daily life. This is yet another important part of the book because it shows her family members support and ecouragement regarding her personal growth.

Grade

laura_brill1 — 2025-10-10 15:47:34 UTC

Claudia,

This is so well done ! Proud of you. Only issue is you were supposed to have 4 quotes . 46/50