"The House on Mango Street"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses and analyzes the book "The House on Mango Street" written by Sandra Cisneros. Specifically, it examines the theme of search for self-definition. The paper introduces the protagonist of the novel, Esperanza, who narrates a series of 'chapters' concerning her life, her world and the barrio as she sees it happening around her. The paper highlights the fact that while self-definition is a compelling theme of the novel, it also shows the difficulties many young Latinas face as they come of age in America.

From the Paper:

"Published in 1984, many critics believe "The House on Mango Street" is one of the best Chicana stories written. Author Sandra Cisneros writes with knowledge and pathos of growing up Latina in America because she herself experienced the difficulties of growing up in multi-cultural family. Her mother is Mexican-American and her father is Mexican, and she spent her childhood "commuting" between homes in Mexico and Chicago (Kevane 47). She graduated from Loyola University in 1976, and attended the Iowa Writers Workshop in 1978, where she wrote the draft for this novel about coming of age and multi-culturalism in American barrios."

More papers on "The House on Mango Street":

• Book Review # 96339 : "The House on Mango Street"--A Review"
• Essay # 137660 : "Critical Perspectives: Arguing for the Hispanic Feminist Identity in The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros"
• Book Review # 145145 : "Symbolism in "The House on Mango Street"
• Analytical Essay # 34020 : "The House on Mango Street"

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