Topic > A review of the book The House on Mango Street

IndexAnalysis of "The House on Mango Street"ConclusionReferencesSandra Cisneros, the celebrated author of "The House on Mango Street", wrote this literary gem in 1984, earning numerous prestigious awards , including the Columbus Foundation's esteemed American Book Award. Cisneros comes from a large Hispanic family, being one of seven children and the only daughter. His educational background is noteworthy, having earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Iowa. In addition to “The House on Mango Street,” Cisneros has contributed significantly to literature, with works such as “Women Hollering Creek and Other Stories,” which have also garnered numerous prestigious awards. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Analysis of "The House on Mango Street" The novel "The House on Mango Street" invites readers into the world of Esperanza, a young Hispanic girl dealing with the complexities of her life. From an early age, Esperanza has grappled with the challenges that come her way. The story begins with her family's frequent moves during her early years until they settle into a modest house on Mango Street when she is only six years old. Esperanza offers a glimpse into her traditional Hispanic family, which includes her father, mother, brother Carlos, and sisters Kiki and Neni. It paints a vivid picture of their little red house, which has no yard but features a front porch and a garage empty of any vehicles. Mango Street, their neighborhood, is located in a low-income area, prompting residents to pay attention to their surroundings. Esperanza's narrative offers insight into cultural nuances, such as her observations about the differences between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. She recounts a memorable incident involving her friend Meme's cousin driving a gorgeous yellow Cadillac, an experience that exposed her to a level of luxury she was unaccustomed to. Their outing takes a dramatic turn when they hear sirens and Meme's cousin runs away, eventually leading to his arrest. This event reflects the challenges faced in low-income neighborhoods, including encounters with criminal elements. Esperanza also explores the perceptions of tourists who enter their neighborhood, often viewing residents with trepidation due to misleading stereotypes. Esperanza's pursuit of education leads her to attend a Catholic school, where her father's relentless efforts secure the necessary funds for her and her siblings to attend. . The novel delves into traditional customs, such as women rising early to make tortillas. A touching moment in the book centers on a baptismal celebration, a significant event in Catholic tradition. Esperanza vividly describes the beautiful dress her mother purchased for her, although time constraints prevent the acquisition of the desired shoes. She enters the party in clunky brown shoes, initially too embarrassed to dance. However, with her uncle's encouragement, she overcomes her self-embarrassment and dazzles everyone with her dancing. Toward the book's conclusion, Esperanza shares the heartbreaking story of her friend Sally, who becomes a victim of rape. Sally's life takes a distressing turn when she marries at a young age, well before eighth grade. The marriage is marred by abuse, with Sally's husband exerting control over her, isolating her from others and managing their finances. This portrayal echoes issues prevalent in Hispanic cultures, where child marriage and notions of female subjugation persist. “The House on Mango Street” skillfully captures the essence of Hispanic culture, accurately describing it, 20(4), 27-39.