Summary
Sandra Cisneros's 1984 novel The House on Mango Street is a seminal work of Chicano literature. Through a series of vignettes, the book follows young Esperanza Cordero as she comes of age in a Hispanic neighborhood of Chicago. Drawing on Cisneros's experiences growing up Mexican American, the novel poignantly explores themes of identity, belonging, gender roles, and the immigrant experience.
Though just over 100 pages, The House on Mango Street has had an outsized cultural impact. It has sold more than six million copies, been translated into more than 20 languages, and become required reading in many schools across the United States. The novel's lyrical prose and unflinching look at issues like poverty, domestic violence, and sexual assault have garnered critical acclaim as well as spurred some controversy. Esperanza's coming-of-age story continues to resonate with readers.
Plot
The House on Mango Street follows a year in the life of Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old Chicana girl growing up in a poor Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. Esperanza and her family have just moved to a small, run-down house on Mango Street, which falls far short of the “real house” they've always dreamed of owning. Though it's an improvement from their previous apartment, Esperanza feels ashamed of their new home and longs to have a house she can be proud of.
Through a series of vignettes, Esperanza describes her family, neighbors, and experiences on Mango Street. She befriends several other girls in the neighborhood, including Sally, who wears provocative clothing and makeup. Esperanza begins to notice boys and experience sexual feelings, but she also witnesses the oppression many women in her community face from controlling husbands and fathers. She vows that she will someday leave Mango Street and have a house of her own.
As Esperanza matures, she faces several traumatic experiences, including being sexually assaulted at a carnival and kissed by an older man at her first job. She sees how many women in her neighborhood are trapped by poverty, abuse, and cultural expectations. Esperanza finds solace in writing poetry and stories, dreaming of one day becoming a writer. She befriends an older neighbor named Alicia, who attends university and encourages Esperanza's ambitions.
By the end of the novel, Esperanza has grown and changed significantly. Though she still dreams of escaping Mango Street, she realizes the neighborhood has shaped her identity and will always be a part of her. She vows that after she leaves to pursue her dreams, she will return to help those she's left behind. The book ends with Esperanza's determination to “go away to come back” and tell the stories of her community.
