The House on Mango Street is a 1984 coming-of-age novel by the renowned Mexican-American writer Sandra Cisneros It is considered a classic in American literature and has won numerous awards, including the American Book Award in 1985 and a newberry Honor in 1985. Set in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago, Cisneros’s narrative is told through the eyes of a young girl, Esperanza, who is trying to express her longing to escape her life in the poor neighborhood and make something of herself. Over the course of her life on Mango Street, Esperanza encounters a variety of struggles and works to make sense of her identity and find her place in the world. The House on Mango Street is an important representation of the struggles and hopes of Latino people in the United States and its themes continue to resonate with readers of all ages today.
Five Great Essay Topic Ideas for The House on Mango Street
1. Exploring the Theme of Identity: The House on Mango Street paints a vivid picture of the difficulties Esperanza faces in coming to terms with her identity. How does the novel use language, setting, and character development to explore Esperanza’s struggles with her identity?
2. Representing the Struggles of Latinos in the United States: How does The House on Mango Street explore the struggles faced by Latinos in the United States? How does Esperanza’s journey reflect the collective experience of those living in poor Latino neighborhoods?
3. The Power of Writing and Self-expression: Throughout the novel, writing serves as an important form of self-expression for Esperanza. What role does writing play in helping her to make sense of her experiences and form her identity?
4. Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the ways that The House on Mango Street and a second work of literature represent the themes of identity and the struggles of Latinos in the United States.
5. The Depiction of Gender Roles: Explore the ways that Cisneros uses the characters of Esperanza and her father to explore traditional gender roles. How does Esperanza’s quest for freedom challenge those roles?