The House on Mango Street

 “People who live on hills sleep so close to the stars they forget those of us who live too much on earth.” (p 86)

            Although The House on Mango Street is highly revered as a member of the new multicultural canon, I really did not have much knowledge about the text before reading, other than it takes place in Chicago and is told from a Latino/a perspective. Upon reading the introduction, I was intrigued as to what the story would hold, and I was far from disappointed.

             Throughout the story, the poetic imagery captured in Sandra Cisneros lines was breathtaking. The vividness did not end at the descriptions of physical places, as the detailed depictions of the numerous characters gave a clear picture of the year living on Mango Street. Beyond these aesthetic notions lies what I felt more of a connection towards, and what Esperenza struggles with, that being poverty.

            Esperenza is seemingly aware of what she lacks, whether it be shoes that match her outfit, the ability to eat at school, or a house without rodents. She sees a connection between her family and others, while also seeing the roles that females were forced into. There is domestic abuse, young marriages, and her mother’s insistence on education. However, the most touching and most inspiration notions come towards the end of the book when the three ladies tell her that she will succeed, but most importantly never forget where she came from, who she is, and the need for her to come back for the rest.

            Looking at this text critically, I can understand its placement as part of the new canon. Cisneros opening introduction provides a great opening segway into the narrative and allows for a greater understanding of the author (and narrator’s) experience. However, it is not just an experience of a Latina/o, but rather engages in a discussion with many marginalized groups and the difficulties in the lack of knowledge, in both the educational aspect and in just the fluency in the “empowered” language of standard American-English.

            Esperenza examines these issues that stem from cultural experiences, but also addresses those of more socio-economic grounds. For example, she talks about letting bums stay in her attic in the future because she knows what it is like to not have a home. This idea of “home” along with education and a career, make up a big part of “The American Dream”. This is a notion I have always wanted to unpack with my future students, I feel this text would allow such an exploration.

            I feel that this text would be greatly enjoyed by students of all cultures and socio-economic statuses. In particular, I think that the episodic format of the book allows for the taking and choosing of excerpts that can fit into many different lesson plans.