The House On Mango Street My Name Analysis

Esperanza’s identity and Her Thoughts on Growing Up.

The House on Mango Street written by Sandra Cisneros. Sandra Cisneros tells a story about a girl named Esperanza, who is living her life on Mango Street, and the difficulties she faces about growing up and finding out who she is. In the beginning, Esperanza is not completely ready to grow up. She does not believe her name fits her, or the outcome of her destiny. Also, Esperanza believes she does not belong on Mango Street and is ashamed of living on Mango Street.

“My Name” is a vignette about Esperanza’s name. She believes her name does not match her personality, and she wishes to have a different name. Esperanza does not like her name, even though it was given to her by her own parents.

There is only one thing that sets her free, and she now understands that she will always be Mango Street no matter what. Esperanza lived in many different places, but Mango Street is the only thing she will remember the most. “I am going to tell you a story about a girl who didn’t want to belong. We didn’t always live on Mango Street. Before that we lived on Loomis on the third floor, and before that we lived on Keeler. Before Keeler it was Paulina, but what I remember most is Mango Street, sad red house, the how I belong but do now belong to” (Cisneros 110). Esperanza now knows that she is a part of Mango Street even if she leaves. Esperanza will write down everything she has experienced on Mango Street. Now she knows her true home. Esperanza’s writing will express all of her emotions. Esperanza will one day leave Mango Street for a short time, however she will one day go back by writing about Mango Street. “I put it down on paper and then the ghost does not ache so much. I write down and Mango says goodbye sometimes. She does not hold me with both arms. She sets me free” (Cisneros 110). Esperanza tells the audience that writing sets her free. Her purpose was to become a writer, to give hope to others who are trapped on Mango Street. Esperanza is no longer depressed or confused of what place she belongs. Now she knows

At first Esperanza believes her name expresses herself as a person, but she accepts it. Even though, Esperanza was ashamed of living on Mango Street that is the place she lived, and had many experiences. The vignettes that were described about Esperanza’s situation of identity and growing up is all a worry. In the end Esperanza’s writing will express her feeling from Mango Street, and she will come back to write about the house that she belongs but does not belong