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Sexuality In Adolescence In 'The House On Mango Street'

1160 Words5 Pages

Sexuality in adolescence Sexuality is the most notorious and common sign of development in adolescence. “The House on Mango street”, by Sandra Cisneros is a coming of age novel, where Esperanza transitions from a girl into a young teen. In her journey, Esperanza comes across many challenges, she is forced to grow up by life’s adversities. In the short story “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, a mother advises her daughter and scolds her into becoming a decent woman. In her guidance, the mother is worried about her daughter’s sexual activity and warns her about the consequences of improper behavior. “A&P” by John Updike, is also a short story where a boy named Sammy comes across his sexuality when he spots three girls wearing bikinis enter the store. “The House on Mango street”, “A&P”, and “Girl” are all literatures where sexuality is in the process of growth and coming of age of adolescents.
In Esperanza’s journey to sexual identity, she realizes that her body is beginning to change. In the chapter “Family of little feet”, Esperanza notice physical changes when Esperanza and her friends try on some heels that were given to them. Esperanza instantly feels beautiful and captivating. Esperanza realizes, “We have legs. Skinny and spotted with satin scars where scabs were picked, but …show more content…

In “The House on Mango street”, Esperanza begins to mature and her desire for men appears. Esperanza comes to recognize her sexuality and the need to feel desired by other men. She learns that love and sex are not always they are said to be. In “A&P”, Sammy’s sexuality emerges after being attracted to three young girls. As any other nineteen-year-old boy, Sammy’s sexuality is captivated by the girls’ physical appearance. The girl in “Girl” has not yet discovered her sexuality, but rather is in the processes of preparing for it. Sexuality is a natural part in the journey to adulthood and is experienced differently be

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