In-Class Writing: Mango Street

Esperanza's family is apparent throughout the entire book. In "Hips," it states, "I can tell Lucy and Rachel are disgusted, but they don't say anything because she's my sister" (52). This shows that she is not ashamed that Nenny is her sister, and although Nenny keeps using the old song, Esperanza does not yell at her sister for being stupid. Then in "Papa Who Wakes Up /Tired in the Dark," Esperanza demonstrates her closeness with her father when she says, "And I think if my own Papa died what would I do. I hold my Papa in my arms. I hold and hold and hold him" (57). As much as Esperanza would like to deny that Mango Street is her physical home, it is undeniably where her heart is. Everything in the book revolves around her life and the people in it who influence her the most. All of these people live around her, mostly on Mango Street. "Bums" is a section that reflects Esperanza's personal identity because she realizes that she did not have it easy growing up where she did, and she says, "One day I'll own my own house, but I won't forget who I am or where I came from. Passing bums will ask, Can I come in? I'll offer them the attic, ask them to stay, because I know how it is to be without a house" (87). This shows a very selfless side of Esperanza. "Beautiful and Cruel" also reflects personal identity when it says, "I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am the one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate" (89). Although it is not looked upon as nice, not putting the chair back or picking up the plate, Esperanza admits she does this, and it is who she is. One passage I liked for the poetry and imagery was "Four Skinny Trees" because I like the image it creates with the trees' strength and how it is a secret because the roots are unseen. I also like how in the end of the passage she talks about looking at them when she is down, and how they will always be there.