The House on Mango Street

Why does Esperanza want a “real house”? Why is she so disappointed with the house on Mango Street? Why does she want a house of her own so badly?

What is Esperanza’s experience with racism throughout the text?

What does the novel say about sexism, misogyny, and gender roles?

How does this novel fit into the genre of bildungsroman? What does it demonstrate about growing up as a Mexican American girl?

Why does Esperanza have a conflicted relationship with sexuality?

How does Esperanza’s view of herself shift over the course of the novel?

What comment(s) does the novel make on the English language? Why do you think Cisneros wrote the novel in English instead of Spanish? 

What does the novel suggest about education, particularly in relation to girls and women?