The House on Mango Street By Susan Cisneros
The House on Mango Street By Susan Cisneros
Growing Up in Chicago l Born in the Hispanic Quarter of Chicago in 1954 l Mexican-American (Chicana) l She was the only girl in a family of seven, and grew up in poverty l Her parents emphasized education l Her family moved often; she was shy and introverted, but connected with her community privately through writing
The House on Mango Street: Narrator l The work is narrated by Esperanza Cordero, thirteen, a Chicana girl in Chicago. l Although told in the voice of a young girl, it addresses mature subject matter. l In English, Esperanza means hope, and also, waiting. l This choice of name is significant in the novel: the character and her independence represent a way out of the slums.
The House on Mango Street: Setting l Mango Street symbolizes both Esperanza’s ball and chain and her inspiration. l In the beginning of the novel, she is disappointed with the house on Mango Street. l She finds that she is not like the other residents of Mango, that she can and will find the strength to leave her life there. l She realizes that Mango is a part of her, and where she comes from is as important as where she’s going. l She knows she must come back, to help the others who are trapped there.
The House on Mango Street: Structure l The novel is told as a series of vignettes, 1 -4 pages each l There is no real chronological plot, but a series of insights into Esperanza’s thoughts and feelings.
Elements of a Novel l Novel: type of literary work is lengthy (1001000 pages) l Plot: the related series of events that make up a story l Conflict: the struggle(s) between opposing forces, usually characters. Character vs. Character; Character vs. Society, etc.
Elements of a Novel (continued) l Character: the individuals involved in the action of the story l Setting: the time and place the action occurs (Chicago 1990 s) l Point of View: the perspective from which the story is told (Esperanza’s)
Elements of a Novel (continued) l Theme: the main idea behind a story l Protagonist: the main character of a story l Antagonist: the main character in opposition of the protagonist, can be a force of nature or society
- Slides: 8