https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj Contextual resources and related pieces to assist in deeper analysis of Sandra Cisnero's novel. en-us 2018-08-04 19:30:08 UTC 2026-02-15 00:48:28 UTC hello@padlet.com mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958268 This article discusses the history of the word "Chicano." It is important to understand its historical and contextual roots to better understand Esperanza's point of view in this novel.]]> 2018-08-04 19:37:34 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958268 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958491 Sandra Cisneros' novel is a compilation of blended vignettes that tell Esperanza's story and life on Mango Street. This is not a standard form of writing because it contains many shorter stories that together make one elaborate story. The style of vignette writing is more poetic than a traditional novel, however it does not necessarily reflect a poem with stanzas.]]> 2018-08-04 19:49:19 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958491 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958565 Cisneros's novel is rich in literature, not just through her use of vignettes, but also through the use of multiple literary devices.]]> 2018-08-04 19:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958565 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958608 In this research paper, the author explains how language is used in The House on Mango Street to establish Esperanza's character. It explores the hybridization of Chicano language and culture that demands respect in forms of writing as Esperanza's words do so.]]> 2018-08-04 19:54:22 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271958608 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959005 The struggle of identity is a common plot point in coming of age novels. In this novel, Esperanza is trying to define herself on her own terms, which is apparent through her desire to change her name so that it is not the same as her grandmother. She feels that because she shares a name with her grandmother, she must then live her legacy.

Esperanza is also twelve years old and about to become a woman. Many of the chapters within The House on Mango Street explore what it means to become a woman. She also struggles with her identity in relation to her sexuality.

Furthermore, Esperanza uses writing as a form of expression and escape. By writing, she is able to work through her daily struggles and decipher her feelings. Writing is the third form of identity that she is working to understand.]]> 2018-08-04 20:08:24 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959005 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959027 A common theme in The House on Mango Street is the imagery of women by windows. Typically it represents women being trapped in their homes, usually by their husbands. For instance, one woman sends the children money to buy her coconut juice. Another woman cannot physically move down the stairs of her home and therefore is stuck inside all day.  The theme of women by windows provides imagery that women are passive characters that must stay in the home while their husbands go out. They are to wait around for their husbands, which make them passive and submissive people to society. Esperanza tells the story of her grandmother, whom she shares a name with, that was one of those women who waited by the window for her husband to return. This behavior is what contributes to Esperanza's dislike of her name. Esperanza does not want to become a woman in the window]]> 2018-08-04 20:09:15 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959027 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959035 In The House on Mango Street, shoes are symbolic of femininity. In one chapter, the girls put on heels that attract the attention of the men they walk past. This is one of Esperanza's first encounters with her sexual becoming. ]]> 2018-08-04 20:09:40 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959035 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959157 Like most of the texts we've read for this course, The House on Mango Street is a coming of age story. It is told through the eyes of a twelve year old girl named Esperanza. She has recently moved to a new house and is beginning to establish her identity on Mango Street and as she becomes a young woman. Coming of age novels are a specific genre because they contain characteristics that are consistent across many famed coming of age novels. ]]> 2018-08-04 20:15:28 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959157 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959240 This article discusses how toxic gender roles can be, especially when projected upon young children. Some of the risks and negative outcomes of gender roles are present in The House on Mango Street such as child marriage and substance abuse. It also focuses on how our attitudes towards genders create a sexual divide between boys and girls by pinning boys as predators and girls as prey that need to do everything they can to prevent sexual encounters.]]> 2018-08-04 20:19:09 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959240 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959424 This article highlights the impact that The House on Mango Street had during this time period. While it had received a scholarship, which was historical because it was the first time this particular scholarship had been presented to a Mexican-American woman, other Chicanos were making monumental strides in literature and society.]]> 2018-08-04 20:28:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959424 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959469 When reading any novel, it is important to understand the author's bio. This website tells us about Sandra Cisneros and gives insight into her life, other writings, and her perspective on social issues. ]]> 2018-08-04 20:29:59 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959469 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959492 The Chicago Public Library provides some thought provoking discussion questions to guide the reader or assist them in reflection of the book, The House on Mango Street.]]> 2018-08-04 20:30:48 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271959492 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271996713 This article poses some questions that guide connections between The House on Mango Street and Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. Both novels are coming of age stories.]]> 2018-08-05 18:22:49 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271996713 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271996950 This article consists of discussion questions to follow up each chapter of The House on Mango Street, followed by more general questions. After these questions, there are suggested further readings that are similar to the plot and genre of The House on Mango Street.]]> 2018-08-05 18:31:17 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271996950 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271997098 For each vignette, this document outlines some thought provoking questions. It asks "why" questions that prompt reflection from the reader when approaching The House on Mango Street novel. These questions can be helpful when learning to think more critically about each vignette and the significance behind them.]]> 2018-08-05 18:36:12 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271997098 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271997112 These discussion questions are more centered on understanding the story from Esperanza's perspective rather than just in general. To understand The House on Mango Street, the reader needs to be familiar with Esperanza and her journey of self-identity and establishment.]]> 2018-08-05 18:36:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271997112 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271997132 Since this novel is so poetic, it can be difficult for the reading to be certain about what is occurring in the story. For instance, one of her sexual assaults is not explicitly stated but instead brought up in a vignette calling out to Sally. This article makes concrete claims about some of the more ambiguous aspects of the novel. ]]> 2018-08-05 18:37:20 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/271997132 mmerlino1 https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/272047990 Cisneros discusses what is real and what is fiction in her novel The House on Mango Street. She addresses the idea that she is Esperanza by explaining that she takes the stories that touch her heart and put them into Esperanza's life.]]> 2018-08-06 06:41:41 UTC https://padlet.com/mmerlino1/o6pabzgzm7vj/wish/272047990