Analysis Of CisnerosThe House On Mango Street - 742 Words

â€Å"To know anothers heart, you must first know your own.† (Laurrel K. Hamilton) Throughout the many vignettes, indirect characterization, vivid imagery and eloquent metaphors are utilized in many ways to create a connection between the characters and the reader. These characters explore sexuality, gender, culture, ethnicity and many more crucial things that are all a part of growing up and figuring out who you are. In Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street the identity of a character is made up of the environment they are a part of. Gender is one of the most important things that can build up ones true identity. In Mango Street, we see a complete male ruled society. Sexual harassment, from men, is very common in this story, especially to†¦show more content†¦They laugh and poke fun at her but that’s not the worst of it. Her parents named Esperanza after her grandmother, which should be an honor, yet not to her. She compares her grandmother to the other women she sees on Mango Street like Mamacita who â€Å"sits all day by the window and plays the Spanish radio shows† (77). Esperanza is afraid to become submissive to a man or a society that oppresses women, like the one she lives in currently. These have a link to the comparison of Esperanza and her family in relation to the 4 trees. The female role models in her life are all she knows and cannot just forget them easily. â€Å"never quit their anger. This is how they keep.† (74) She will always have her roots planted in Mango, and sh e can’t change that, which is why it is part of building her identity. Esperanza had a great desire to live elsewhere, in â€Å"A real house.†(5) While not realizing it then, she had an out from the hardships of living on Mango. Esperanza wrote and wrote to dealwith what she dealt with. â€Å"You must keep writing. It will keep you free,†(61) In time she figures out that some people don’t have a way to manage what they go through. Esperanza’s mother has a coping method also, and it’s drawing; with a needle. â€Å"She draws with a needle and thread.†(90) The realization that she is lucky enough to be able to handle Mango street and it’s quirks builds character in Esperanza. She is able to appreciate what she has, yet it is also saddening to know that some are not as