Isabelle Muldowney Mrs. Itzen English III, Honors 12 April 2023 Cultural Context of the Novel The House on Mango Street The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros takes place in a low-class neighborhood of Chicago around the 1960's. The story narrated by a young Latina girl, Esperanza Cordero, as it follows her growing up and coming to grips with her surroundings. The house is essential to the story as it is a symbol of pride and stability as it is the first house owned by the Cordero family. This setting creates conflict as they all try finding their identity and a place in the world through their new home and new life. During this time, men see women below them and they are often beat in the environment Esperanza grows up in. This also affects the character development as she watches so many …show more content…
In the book, Esperanza refuses to be reformed by men and refuses to ever get married or act dictated feminine ways. The economic status of the Cordero family is not told outright, however, based on context clues is it evident they are plebeians. Even though Esperanza never mentions they are poor, she struggles to make a life for herself when the cycle of poverty is constant in her life. Being raised poor also forced her to be more aware of the different social classes within her community. She becomes insecure and embarrassed because of her family's lack of wealth. She attempts to hide her poverty as she hides her unappealing shoes at a party and lies about what house she lives in. This creates a sense of isolation and worthlessness as Esperanza thinks herself unwanted because of the way she grew up. This is not