Benjamin Franklin once said, “Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.” This way of thinking is often a popular theme in literature. In Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street, characters experience conflicts between escaping and remaining loyal to their origins. Esperanza’s atypical mindset differentiates her from her harsh, analogous community and environment. One’s identity creates turmoil for those who wish to break out of their silent oppression.
Esperanza upholds an unusual interpretation of the words home and house. Esperanza remarks, “The House on Mango Street isn’t it.” Esperanza has lived in many houses in her life, however, none of the houses she has ever lived in have felt like home to Esperanza. Esperanza …show more content…
Mamacita mutters to her child, “No speak English.” Mamacita, like many women in the book, is not from the United States and has moved from a Spanish-speaking country resulting in there to be a language barrier between herself and every English-speaking person. Mamacita’s husband has come accustomed to American ways and yearns for his wife to learn English and become westernized as well, but Mamacita’s language is part of her culture, which she refuses to give up. Mamacita’s unwillingness to give up her culture is due to her culture being apart of her identity, which she cherishes and values. Mamacita also values her husband and his opinions resulting in Mamacita to feel conflicted. Mamacita’s efforts to remain connected to her true self and please her husband are deterred when her baby begins to pick up English words that she hasn’t been able to pick up herself. Mamacita loses hope that she will be able to pass on her language and culture to her baby as well as speak English herself, which ultimately breaks her heart. Mamacita’s true identity is unable to overtake the fast-paced, strong influence that is westernization. Few individuals are able to hold on to their true identities while others become victim to …show more content…
Esperanza states, “All brown all around, we are safe.” Esperanza lives in a poverty-stricken community, which due to the time period implies that her community is made up of people like herself. Furthermore, Esperanza feels safe in her community due to the similar aspects she shares with the people around her, however, her long-time exposure, to an otherwise violent setting. has desensitized her to the crimes that occur around her. Esperanza, unlike many people in her situation, realizes that she must leave her comfort zone if she wants her dreams to come true. Some characters also think like Esperanza, but they allow fear and stereotypical assumptions to dictate their decisions regardless of the obvious benefits that may follow if one were to leave. Esperanza is cognizant of the issues she may face, but ultimately her desires will conjecture her final decision. Characters ultimately decide to settle in their comfort zone or strive
Esperanza upholds an unusual interpretation of the words home and house. Esperanza remarks, “The House on Mango Street isn’t it.” Esperanza has lived in many houses in her life, however, none of the houses she has ever lived in have felt like home to Esperanza. Esperanza …show more content…
Mamacita mutters to her child, “No speak English.” Mamacita, like many women in the book, is not from the United States and has moved from a Spanish-speaking country resulting in there to be a language barrier between herself and every English-speaking person. Mamacita’s husband has come accustomed to American ways and yearns for his wife to learn English and become westernized as well, but Mamacita’s language is part of her culture, which she refuses to give up. Mamacita’s unwillingness to give up her culture is due to her culture being apart of her identity, which she cherishes and values. Mamacita also values her husband and his opinions resulting in Mamacita to feel conflicted. Mamacita’s efforts to remain connected to her true self and please her husband are deterred when her baby begins to pick up English words that she hasn’t been able to pick up herself. Mamacita loses hope that she will be able to pass on her language and culture to her baby as well as speak English herself, which ultimately breaks her heart. Mamacita’s true identity is unable to overtake the fast-paced, strong influence that is westernization. Few individuals are able to hold on to their true identities while others become victim to …show more content…
Esperanza states, “All brown all around, we are safe.” Esperanza lives in a poverty-stricken community, which due to the time period implies that her community is made up of people like herself. Furthermore, Esperanza feels safe in her community due to the similar aspects she shares with the people around her, however, her long-time exposure, to an otherwise violent setting. has desensitized her to the crimes that occur around her. Esperanza, unlike many people in her situation, realizes that she must leave her comfort zone if she wants her dreams to come true. Some characters also think like Esperanza, but they allow fear and stereotypical assumptions to dictate their decisions regardless of the obvious benefits that may follow if one were to leave. Esperanza is cognizant of the issues she may face, but ultimately her desires will conjecture her final decision. Characters ultimately decide to settle in their comfort zone or strive