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  • Essay / A review of the book The House on Mango Street

    Table of ContentsAnalysis of "The House on Mango Street"ConclusionReferencesSandra Cisneros, the famous author of "The House on Mango Street", wrote this literary gem in 1984, which has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the prestigious American Book Award from the Columbus Foundation. Cisneros comes from a large Hispanic family, being one of seven children and the only girl. His education is notable, having earned a degree in English from the University of Iowa. Beyond “The House on Mango Street,” Cisneros made significant contributions to literature, with works like “Women Hollering Creek and Other Stories,” which also won several prestigious awards. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayAnalysis of “The House on Mango Street”The novel “The House on Mango Street” invites readers into the world of Esperanza , a young Hispanic girl navigating the complexities of her life. From a young age, Esperanza grappled with the challenges that came her way. The story begins with her family's frequent moves during her early years until they settled in a modest house on Mango Street when she was just six years old. Esperanza provides insight into her traditional Hispanic family, which includes her father, mother, brother Carlos, and sisters Kiki and Neni. She paints a vivid picture of their little red house, devoid of a courtyard but with a front porch and a garage empty of any vehicles. Their neighborhood, Mango Street, is located in a low-income area, prompting residents to be cautious of their surroundings. Esperanza's account 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 beautiful yellow Cadillac, an experience that exposed her to a level of luxury she was not accustomed to. Their ride takes a dramatic turn when they hear sirens and Meme's cousin runs away, ultimately 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 its residents with apprehension due to erroneous stereotypes. Esperanza's continued education led her to a Catholic school, where her father's tireless efforts ensured the necessary funds for her and her siblings to attend. . The novel delves into traditional customs, such as women getting up early to prepare tortillas. A poignant moment in the book centers on a baptism feast, an important event in Catholic tradition. Esperanza vividly describes the beautiful dress her mother bought her, although time constraints prevent the acquisition of the desired shoes. She attends the party wearing big brown shoes, initially too embarrassed to dance. However, with the encouragement of her uncle, she overcomes her embarrassment and dazzles everyone with her dancing. Towards the conclusion of the book, Esperanza shares the heartbreaking story of her friend Sally, a rape victim. Sally's life took a painful turn when she married at a young age, well before her eighth grade. The marriage is marked by abuse, with Sally's husband exercising control over her, isolating her from others and managing their finances. This depiction echoes widespread issues in Hispanic cultures, where early marriage and notions of female submission persist. “The House on Mango Street” captures, 20(4), 27-39.