Sire

1. What is the following passage saying about Lois’ maturity level compared to Esperanza’s? Hint: Remember feet may be a symbol for maturity. “…she was barefoot, and I saw her barefoot baby toenails all painted pale pink … her bones are long like ladies’ bones … But she doesn’t know how to tie her shoes. I do.”

2. How does Esperanza feel about her ability to attract Sire’s attention?

3. What is the meaning of the following passage? What are the trees saying? “Sometimes I hear them laughing late, beer cans and cats and the trees talking to themselves: wait, wait, wait.”

Four Skinny Trees

1. What do the four trees teach Esperanza? 7

No Speak English

1. What do you think is the significance of Mamacita’s small pink shoes?

2. Why is Mamacita upset when the baby starts speaking English? What is Cisneros saying about Mexican children in this chapter?

Rafaela Who Drinks Coconut and Papaya Juice on Tuesdays

1. What does Esperanza learn from Rafaela about the life of a young married woman on Mango Street?

Sally

1. Why does Sally’s father prevent her from leaving their home after school?

2. At one point in this chapter, it is confusing as to whether the author is writing about Sally or about Esperanza. Find a sentence in this chapter that is about Sally but is also about Esperanza’s dream.

3. Assume Sally’s dreams in the chapter are really Esperanza’s dreams. What does Esperanza want more than anything else?

Minerva Writes Poems

1. What does Esperanza mean at the end of the chapter when she says, “I don’t know which way she’ll go. There is nothing I can do.”?

2. Why do you think Esperanza might be particularly moved by Minerva’s sad life?

Bums in the Attic

1. Why is Esperanza happy to tell her guest that she has “bums” in the attic? What is she saying about her life on Mango Street?

Beautiful and Cruel

1. Who is Esperanza talking about in the following passage? “…but I have decided not to grow up tame like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain.”

2. Many critics consider The House on Mango Street a feminist novel. How does the following passage support this idea? “I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate.”

A Smart Cookie

1. Why does Esperanza’s mother quit school? What advice does she give her daughter?

2. List Esperanza’s mother’s talents. What can’t she do?

What Sally Said

1. Why does Sally go home with her abusive father?

The Monkey Garden

1. Why do you suppose Esperanza feels “angry inside” when Sally agrees to kiss the boys to get her keys back?

2. Compare the reaction of Titos’ mother to his kissing a girl with the reaction of Sally’s father when he catches her talking to a boy. What is your opinion about the behavior of these two parents? Are they normal? Is it fair?

3. Why do you think Esperanza feels “ashamed” when she tries to stop the boys from kissing Sally? What makes her feel so terrible she wants to be dead?